Immunology chapter 11

Flow Cytometry

A technique used to identify and analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of cells or particles in a fluid as they pass through a laser.

Laser

An acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation; a technology used in flow cytometry for generating concentrated light.

Photon

The basic unit of radiation that carries light energy, involved in the processes of excitation and emission in fluorophores.

Fluorochrome

A fluorescent molecule that is used as a tag or label in flow cytometry to stain specific cell components.

Hydrodynamic Focusing

A method used in flow cytometry to align cells in a single file as they pass through the laser beam.

CD Markers

Cluster differentiation markers that indicate specific structures on the surface of cells, used for cell identification and classification.

Immunophenotyping

A process used in flow cytometry to determine the types and stages of cells based on the presence of specific antigens using monoclonal antibodies.

Tandem Dyes

Two covalently bonded fluorophores that improve detection sensitivity in flow cytometry.

FISH

Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization; a technique combining immunofluorescence and molecular testing to identify chromosomal abnormalities.

EDTA

A chemical used for collecting whole blood samples in flow cytometry to prevent clotting.

NK Cells

Natural Killer cells; a type of T lymphocyte involved in the body's innate immune response.

CD4 Positive T Cells

T cells that help coordinate immune responses; often used as a standard measure in HIV and AIDS diagnosis.

Dot Plots

Graphical representations used in flow cytometry to display populations of cells based on specific markers.