Imaging and Flow Cytometry: Competing or Complementary Technologies?

Abstract

Introduction This presentation will follow the pathways to convergence of two very complementary technologies - flow cytometry and imaging. Interestingly, each technology has evolved and matured almost exclusively isolated from the other. in the past several years it has become increasingly clear that these technologies are able to deliver complementary solutions and that when combined the end value of each exceeds the sum of the individual components.

History of development Flow cytometry has a rich history over the past 40 years. Ironically, as a technology, flow cytometry was almost a consolation prize to its imaging cousins. in fact, it seems that it might only have been because imaging solutions proved to be technologically difficult that flow cytometry not only thrived, but left the imaging field well behind for nearly 20 years. Initial interest in evaluating differences between normal and cancer cells was almost exclusively attempted by imaging techniques.