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example, 100 000 cells measured in two parameters with 8 bit resolution consumes
200 kbytes, whereas a typical 64 by 64 channels dual parameter histogram takes up 8 kbytes.
However, list mode acquisition has the big advantage that the data can be rerun through the
computer in order to generate histograms representing any combination of parameters and with
any selection of acquisition gating. The list mode memory also contains the complete time
sequence of the data, which may be utilized in kinetic studies or to disclose measuring
artifacts such as sedimentation of cells. With the inexpensive optical memories that are now
coming on the market, memory capacity will be no concern and list mode acquisition will be
the standard mode of data acquisition, especially in multiparameter studies.
3) The data generated by the flow cytometer in many cases are so complex that there is no
way the information can be presented as a limited set of simple numbers. For such tasks the
human eye and brain is still indispensable. To exploit this utility, it must be possible to
visualize the data in all kinds of combinations and perspectives. For example, isometric
representations of dual parameter histograms, which can be rotated freely, may be quite
useful. Multiparameter histograms can be visualized by the use of colors. The new graphical
software which is now coming to the PC market is certainly going to extend our facilities in
this regard.
4) Nevertheless, eventually the data have to be boiled down to simple numbers in order to be
communicated and utilized. Quantitative data analysis is an essential function of the flow
cytometer data system. Except for DNA histogram curve fitting for cell cycle analysis, this
a field which is not well developed at the present time. Hopefully, the near future will bring
software to do cluster analysis and other types of data reduction which will help us to utilize
our flow data more fully.
Some aspects of a flow cytometer for measurement of marine microorganisms: Marine
microbiology presents a challenge to the designers of flow cytometers. What the marine
biologist would like is an instrument which is small enough to be carried into the field, and
sufficiently rugged to withstand the vibration of a relatively small vessel in rough seas. It
should still have all the measuring capabilities of a large laboratory instrument, such as five
measuring parameters and sensitivity to measure sub micron bacteria.
example, 100 000 cells measured in two parameters with 8 bit resolution consumes
200 kbytes, whereas a typical 64 by 64 channels dual parameter histogram takes up 8 kbytes.
However, list mode acquisition has the big advantage that the data can be rerun through the
computer in order to generate histograms representing any combination of parameters and with
any selection of acquisition gating. The list mode memory also contains the complete time
sequence of the data, which may be utilized in kinetic studies or to disclose measuring
artifacts such as sedimentation of cells. With the inexpensive optical memories that are now
coming on the market, memory capacity will be no concern and list mode acquisition will be
the standard mode of data acquisition, especially in multiparameter studies.
3) The data generated by the flow cytometer in many cases are so complex that there is no
way the information can be presented as a limited set of simple numbers. For such tasks the
human eye and brain is still indispensable. To exploit this utility, it must be possible to
visualize the data in all kinds of combinations and perspectives. For example, isometric
representations of dual parameter histograms, which can be rotated freely, may be quite
useful. Multiparameter histograms can be visualized by the use of colors. The new graphical
software which is now coming to the PC market is certainly going to extend our facilities in
this regard.
4) Nevertheless, eventually the data have to be boiled down to simple numbers in order to be
communicated and utilized. Quantitative data analysis is an essential function of the flow
cytometer data system. Except for DNA histogram curve fitting for cell cycle analysis, this
a field which is not well developed at the present time. Hopefully, the near future will bring
software to do cluster analysis and other types of data reduction which will help us to utilize
our flow data more fully.
Some aspects of a flow cytometer for measurement of marine microorganisms: Marine
microbiology presents a challenge to the designers of flow cytometers. What the marine
biologist would like is an instrument which is small enough to be carried into the field, and
sufficiently rugged to withstand the vibration of a relatively small vessel in rough seas. It
should still have all the measuring capabilities of a large laboratory instrument, such as five
measuring parameters and sensitivity to measure sub micron bacteria.