What are the differences between flow cytometry and FACS?

Question

Accepted Answer

Flow cytometry and FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) are two analytical cell biology techniques that are used for detecting and profiling different cell types in a heterogeneous mixture.

Basis of differentiation
Flow cytometry
FACS

Definition
Flow cytometry is an analytical cell biology technique used to identify and study the characteristics of cells in a heterogeneous mixture.  It uses differential light scattering properties unique to each cell type in the mixture to determine the number and size of cells and nucleic acid content of the cells. 
FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) is a specialized type of flow cytometry that facilitates the sorting out cells in a heterogeneous mixture into two or more types. It uses fluorescent-labeled antibodies to specifically identify components of different cell types

Type of technique
This is an analytical cell biology technique. 
This is a specialized type of flow cytometry.

Sampling method used
The process uses the differential light-scattering properties of cells to collect the necessary data. 
The process uses highly specific antibodies tagged with fluorescent dyes to distinguish between cell types.

Analysis method
A sensor is used to acquire data.
An electromagnet is used to sort the sample.

Sequence
Flow cytometry follows FACS. 
FACS is the first step of analyzing a heterogeneous cell mixture. It is followed by flow cytometry.

Function
This technique measures certain cell characteristics such as the number, size, and nucleic acid content of cells.
This technique separates cells from a heterogeneous mixture into appropriate subpopulations.

Basis of differentiation	Flow cytometry	FACS
Definition	Flow cytometry is an analytical cell biology technique used to identify and study the characteristics of cells in a heterogeneous mixture. It uses differential light scattering properties unique to each cell type in the mixture to determine the number and size of cells and nucleic acid content of the cells.	FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) is a specialized type of flow cytometry that facilitates the sorting out cells in a heterogeneous mixture into two or more types. It uses fluorescent-labeled antibodies to specifically identify components of different cell types
Type of technique	This is an analytical cell biology technique.	This is a specialized type of flow cytometry.
Sampling method used	The process uses the differential light-scattering properties of cells to collect the necessary data.	The process uses highly specific antibodies tagged with fluorescent dyes to distinguish between cell types.
Analysis method	A sensor is used to acquire data.	An electromagnet is used to sort the sample.
Sequence	Flow cytometry follows FACS.	FACS is the first step of analyzing a heterogeneous cell mixture. It is followed by flow cytometry.
Function	This technique measures certain cell characteristics such as the number, size, and nucleic acid content of cells.	This technique separates cells from a heterogeneous mixture into appropriate subpopulations.

What are the differences between flow cytometry and FACS?

Posted September 1, 2022