SCYM Flow Cytometry Principles 2

Question 1

What is the primary function of the sheath fluid in a flow cytometer?

Accepted Answer

To hydrodynamically focus cells into a single-file stream

Answer

Sheath fluid surrounds the sample core and uses hydrodynamic focusing to align cells single-file through the laser interrogation point.

Question 2

Which scatter parameter is most useful for discriminating between cell types based on internal complexity?

Accepted Answer

Side scatter (SSC)

Answer

Side scatter (SSC) is proportional to internal granularity and complexity, making it useful for distinguishing cell types like granulocytes from lymphocytes.

Question 3

In flow cytometry, what does 'compensation' correct for?

Accepted Answer

Spectral overlap of fluorochrome emissions into adjacent detector channels

Answer

Compensation mathematically subtracts the spillover signal of one fluorochrome detected in channels intended for other fluorochromes.

Question 4

What is the purpose of using single-stained controls in flow cytometry?

Accepted Answer

To calculate compensation values for spectral spillover

Answer

Single-stained controls contain only one fluorochrome and are used to measure spillover into other channels for accurate compensation.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'gating' in flow cytometry data analysis?

Accepted Answer

Defining a population of interest based on scatter or fluorescence parameters

Answer

Gating involves drawing boundaries on scatter plots or histograms to select specific cell populations for further analysis.

(SCYM) Specialist in Cytometry Practice Test

(SCYM) Specialist in Cytometry Practice Test

SCYM Flow Cytometry Principles 2