Light scatter as an adjunct to cellular immunofluorescence in flow cytometric systems.

Optical flow cytometry has provided a rapid method for the analysis of cell surface markers to accompany the recent proliferation of monoclonal antibodies specific to subsets of peripheral blood cells. This review presents the physical principles by which cell populations are distinguished in flow cytometry, thereby comparing the complementary roles of light scatter from the interior structure of cells, fluorescence from labeled antibody, and optical interactions with enzyme labels. The role of multiple labels is also discussed. Data handling and automation are reviewed with reference to state-of-the-art commercial systems with specific reference to techniques based on whole blood samples and rapid sample preparation and analysis.