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AAT Bioquest

What are the differences between flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry?

Posted August 5, 2022


Answer

Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry are laboratory techniques used in the detection of antigens on the cell surface or within cells. 

  • Flow Cytometry: Flow cytometry is a laser-based technique. It uses a flow cytometer and a laser beam for detecting and quantifying the physical and chemical characteristics of a population of cells or particles. Laser as a light source is a mandatory requirement for this technique. The analysis is performed using a computer. 
  • Immunohistochemistry: Immunohistochemistry is a microscopy-based technique. It uses a light or fluorescent microscope and monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies for the selective identification and localization of antigens in cells of a tissue. Monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies are a mandatory requirement for this technique. Analysis is performed by viewing the results under a light or fluorescent microscope. 
Additional resources

A comparison of flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry in human colorectal cancers

Flow Cytometry Reagents

Buccutite™ Peroxidase (HRP) Antibody Conjugation Kit *Optimized for Labeling 100 ug Protein*