Multicolor Flow Cytometry

Tools

Instrument and fluorochrome selection

We've put together a variety of tools and information to help you design your next multicolor assay.

Use the Fluorescence Spectrum Viewer to choose the right fluorochromes according to the number of colors you'll need in your experiment, the flow cytometer that you're using, and compensation trade-offs.

Mouse over the spectrum in the Absorption and Emission Spectra to see the range of emission spectra for each fluorochrome and to read a description of each fluorochrome in the BD Multicolor Flow Cytometry product line.

Download and print the Fluorochrome Specifications Chart
and the Instrument and Fluorochrome Guide to see which
BD fluorochromes work with the flow cytometers in your lab.

Read the guidance provided by industry experts in the following articles.


Selecting Reagents for Multicolor Flow Cytometry, Holden Maecker and Joe Trotter

Abstract: The availability of flow cytometers capable of detecting 6, 8, and more colors has spurred the discovery of new fluorochromes and the development of antibody conjugates to take advantage of these capabilities. However, the complexities of choosing antibody combinations are such that simply using a random combination of fluorochromes for a particular set of antibody specificities is unlikely to provide optimal results. On the other hand, with a bit of forethought, one can usually avoid many rounds of trial and error. The goal of this technical note is to provide some simple guidelines to aid in the selection of reagent panels for multicolor flow cytometry, which should result in more successes than failures.