Question
When should I use FACS (Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting) instead of other separation methods, such as density gradient centrifugation or immunomagnetic separation?
Answer
- When high purity (greater than 95%) of the target cell population is required.
- For separations based on monochromatic or polychromatic staining using fluorescent dyes or fluorophore-conjugated antibodies.
- For separations based on intracellular staining, such as DNA or internal antigens.
- For the separation of populations with low surface receptor density.
- For the enrichment of cell populations based on surface receptor density.