Flow cytometry is a popular technique used in immunology, molecular biology, bacteriology, cancer biology, and other disciplines to detect and measure the characteristics of cell and particle populations. From cell sorting and cell cycle analysis to immunophenotyping and staining, flow cytometers have become a staple piece of equipment for many labs. While this tool has seen dramatic advances in the last 30 years, it can still be challenging to determine which flow cytometer best suits your research needs.
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Whether you’re interested in the immune system, cell biology, or any other research area, having a reliable flow cytometer is essential for reliable results. Check out what Biocompare reviewers have to say about some of the top flow cytometers available on the market.
Beckman Coulter
CytoFLEX LX
Biocompare reviewer and postdoctoral researcher Matthew Ratsep uses Beckman Coulter’s CytoFLEX LX flow cytometer for his work at McMaster University. He states that this model is easy to use and can work with tubes and plates, making acquisition easy and automated. Matthew says that, compared to other versions of Beckman Coulter’s cytometers, this model is much easier to switch between plates and tubes and can quickly shut down through the software. He also says that it has many channels and sensitive detectors, all while being a compact and convenient size. He notes that users should be careful with PerCP dyes, as they often spill over in his machine.
Gallios Flow Cytometer
Beckman Coulter’s Gallios flow cytometer is sensitive and intuitive, making it easy for Biocompare reviewer and Ph.D. student Gleb Mironov to use this model to analyze the binding of antibodies and aptamers to cells of interest. The machine he uses at the University of Ottawa is a 10-color, three laser (488 nm Blue, 638 nm Red and 405 nm Violet) cytometer, allowing two types of dyes for antibodies and live/dead staining without any considerable leakage between channels.
MilliporeSigma
Shenda Gu, graduate RA at Oregon Health and Science University, utilizes MilliporeSigma’s Guava® EasyCyte 12 Flow Cytometer for their work on human breast cancer cell lines. They mention that their whole team uses this model to detect cell surface markers, as well as perform cell cycle analysis and nanoparticle uptake studies. After comparing a few different cytometers, Shenda decided that this model was the best due to its affordable price and accessible features, plus the UV laser and the sheathless focusing of samples using capillary fluidics. They also note additional savings because there’s no need to re-supply sheath fluid. According to Shenda, the Guava® EasyCyte 12 also allows for smaller sample volume and more diluted sample while retaining sample acquisition. View Product Specs.
BD Biosciences
Postdoctoral fellow and reviewer Zan Chen uses the BD FACSCelesta™ Flow Cytometer from BD Biosciences for routine flow cytometry analyses, stating that this model works very well for their research. The multicolored lasers allow them to run numerous analyses for their work. They note that the device clogs easily, so they recommend cleaning it daily to avoid potential issues. Zan says this flow cytometer works well for all flow analyses in their lab.
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher’s Attune NxT Flow Cytometer with Attune NxT Autosampler works well for Biocompare reviewer and researcher Elizabeth McInnis. She states that she was new to flow cytometry, but she was quickly able to learn on this platform. She adds that the workflow is incredibly straightforward and has never experienced any issues with clogging or the autosampler. Further, Elizabeth says the flow rates and voltages are easy to optimize. The one tip she offers to potential users is to do single stains in tubes and larger, more extensive experiments in the 96 well plates. View Product Specs.
Miltenyi Biotec
Quality Analyst Allison M. states that, though there was a steep learning curve for Miltenyi Biotec’s MACsQuant10 flow cytometer, it allows for a much more thorough analysis of samples compared to any other flow machine she’s worked with. Allison states that there are many user-controlled options to analyze as much or as little as you want, allowing you to gather tons of data from samples. Additionally, she notes that using auto-compensation with beads for secondary antibodies saves time and energy. While the machine might not be the most user-friendly, Allison explains that the Miltenyi Biotec training in California was beneficial for her workflows. She says that the MACsQuant10 allows for robust sample collection and data analysis, making it the only machine she will use to run her samples from here on out. View Product Specs.
In Conclusion
Flow cytometers are essential for many labs, and numerous factors must be considered before purchasing a new system. Reflect on how much time and effort you have available to devote towards learning a new software, and seek out assistance from the manufacturer when necessary. While the nuts and bolts of many systems are the same, each device has its own unique advantages and disadvantages to consider before selecting a new flow cytometer. If you want to read more Biocompare reviews before making your selection, then check out more of Biocompare's Product Reviews. You can also check out even more flow cytometers on the market on Biocompare's Flow Cytometer product page.
Additionally, if you have any opinions about any antibodies, assays, equipment or service used in your lab, fill out a Biocompare Review for a $20 Amazon Gift Card.