Practical Flow Cytometry

The title of this book, Practical Flow Cytometry, may be somewhat misleading; a significant portion of the information presented is not essential to most investigators who utilize flow cytometry. The author's broad expertise in electronics, optics, histochemistry, and biology provides an excellent basis for discussion of the principles of flow cytometry and cell sorting; however, successful application of flow cytometry in many areas of research does not generally require such an in-depth knowledge of the technical details of the instrumentation. Many of the topics covered are of more importance to those directly involved with the operation and maintenance of flow cytometers, especially individuals who advise others with respect to the correct application of flow cytometry and cell sorting. Drawing on the author's background in theoretical as well as practical aspects of flow cytometry, important concepts are presented which will be useful to those in this field. Chapters include: the history of flow cytometry, how a flow cytometer works, analysis of flow cytometric data, flow sorting, measurable cellular parameters and fluorescence probes, descriptions of commercially available flow cytometers, and details for building your own flow cytometer. The theory of optical and electrical components is presented at a level requiring basic knowledge in those areas. Over 600 references which provide access to the literature of flow cytometry are cited; key references are recommended as "required reading" by the author. Also included are addresses and telephone numbers of commercial firms which supply dyes, antibodies, calibration particles, optical and electrical components, and the like. There is a definite need for a book with this information; the insight gained through the author's practical experience and his sense of humor (e.g., Shapiro's First Law of Flow Cytometry, "A 51 ,tm particle clogs a 50 ,um orifice") will be appreciated by those beginning in the field. The dot matrix type ("camera-ready copy using an Atari 800 computer") and illustrations drawn freehand are consistent with the author's economical writing style of relaying useful information without worrying about appearance.