Re:

From: Howard Shapiro (hms@shapirolab.com)
Date: Tue Nov 21 2000 - 17:25:43 EST


Cindy Levine wrote:

>I'm trying to estimate the % of "simple" single parameter flow cytometry
>studies done both with analytical and sorting flow cytometers.  By single
>parameter I'm referring to cell cycle, apoptosis, GFP+/- assays.  Could
>anyone give me the approximate percentages in their facility?

Is this market research?  I suppose it doesn't matter, but the way you have
phrased the question won't get you the answer you may need.  These aren't
quite "simple" assays, and they aren't quite "single parameter" assays.

Cell cycle is probably closest to "simple single parameter", in that it can
be done with a flow cytometer measuring only a single (fluorescence)
parameter.  Apoptosis and GFP+/- assays typically require at least two
parameters (one scatter, one fluorescence) for triggering and gating (and a
second scatter parameter may be helpful there), meaning a more complicated
instrument.  So, if you are trying to find out whether a lot of labs could
use a simple instrument that only measures a single fluorescence parameter,
and you assume they can because they people tell you they do a lot of
"simple single parameter" assays, you'll get the wrong answer.  What you
want to ask in that case is how many assays they do which measure only a
single optical parameter and rely on only that parameter for triggering and
gating, or get more specific and ask about the percentages which use
scatter only, fluorescence only, one scatter and one fluorescence, and
multiple scatter and fluorescence parameters.  But I'm only guessing why
you want the information.

-Howard



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