The Difference between FACS and Flow Cytometry

 

Flow cytometry and FACS (Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting) are essential tools in cell biology. While they share foundational principles, each technique has unique capabilities and applications. This page will guide you through the key differences to help you understand which method suits your research needs.

What is Flow Cytometry?

Flow cytometry is a laser-based technology used to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of cells or particles in suspension. As they pass through a laser beam, the scattered and fluorescent light emitted by the cells is measured.

Key Features

• Principle: Uses lasers to analyse cells in suspension by measuring light scattering and fluorescence, providing detailed data on individual cells.
• Components: Includes fluidics for sample flow, lasers, detectors, signal processors, and analysis software.
• Advantages: High-throughput, versatile, and capable of multiparametric analysis.
• Limitations: Has a limited ability to sort rare cell populations and complexity in data interpretation.

What is FACS?

FACS is a specialized application of flow cytometry that incorporates cell sorting. By adding a sorting mechanism, FACS can physically separate distinct cell populations based on their fluorescence characteristics.

Key Features

• Principle: FACS uses fluorescently labelled antibodies or dyes to identify and isolate specific cells of interest.
• Components: Beyond standard flow cytometry tools, FACS includes advanced sorting systems like charged plates and electrostatic deflection, supported by enhanced software for precise control and data analysis.
• Advantages: Allows for isolating rare cells, supporting clonal growth, and enabling detailed molecular studies.

• Limitations: More complex and expensive than basic flow cytometry, requiring specialized training and equipment.

  

Key Differences Between Flow Cytometry and FACS

Feature	Flow Cytometry	FACS
Purpose	Analyse physical and chemical properties of cells	Analyse and physically separate cells
Sorting Capability	No	Yes
Speed	Higher throughput for analysis	Slower due to the sorting process
Complexity	Less complex instrumentation required	More complex due to sorting hardware
Cost	Generally more affordable	Higher costs associated with sorting

Which Method is Right for You?

Choose Flow Cytometry If:

You need quick, detailed analysis of cell populations without the need for physical separation. For example:

• Immunophenotyping a blood sample.
• Tracking changes in cell viability.

Coose FACS If:

You require purified cell populations for downstream experiments. For example:

• Isolating a rare population of stem cells for transplantation research.
• Separating transfected cells for single-cell studies.

Still unsure which method is best for you? Reach out to our support team here and we’ll help you determine the most suitable approach and recommend the best reagents for your needs.