Flow cytometry has traditionally been considered to be a high content technology, but not one that would be considered fast, or even efficient when it comes to running a large number of samples. The key advantage of flow cytometry is its ability to separate cells into population and perform a singificant number of studies on these populations.

HT flow (High Throughput Flow) is basically where we run at least one order of magnitude and probably 2 orders more samples. So for example a 384 well plate, run in 10 minutes would be high throughput.

HC Flow (High Content Flow) is where there is a significant increase in the number of variables (parameters) collected - perhaps 7 to 15 individual variables. This would be equivalent to a fairly complex assay using many monoclonal antibodies probably labled with a variety of fluorochromes.

VHC Flow (Very High Content Flow) is where we have an even higher number of variables - such as 30  or more - perhaps as many as 100. This is only currently possible using instruments such as the CyTOF mass cytometry instrument from DVS Sciences. This instrument measures ions from Mabs conjugated to heavy metals and it is possible to collect a very large number of correlated data points from each cell.