The word "cytometer" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as [saɪˈtɒmɪtə]. The first two letters "cyto" represent the prefix meaning "cell," while the remaining "meter" refers to a device used to measure something. Therefore, a cytometer is a device used to count and measure the properties of cells in a sample. It is used in various fields of biology and medicine to analyze cell populations, including determining cell size, shape, and concentration. The precise spelling of "cytometer" is vital to ensure accurate communication within these fields.
A cytometer is a highly specialized device or instrument used in the field of biology and medicine to count, analyze, and sort cells or microscopic particles based on their physical and/or chemical characteristics. Cytometers are used in various scientific research contexts, such as immunology, hematology, genetics, and oncology, to study cell populations and understand their behavior.
The primary function of a cytometer is to count cells and obtain data about their size, morphology, granularity, and fluorescence properties. This is accomplished through the use of lasers, optical detectors, and sophisticated software algorithms. Flow cytometry is a commonly used technique in cytometry, where cells or particles in fluid suspension are passed one by one through a laser beam, and detectors measure the resulting light scatter and fluorescence emissions. The collected data can then be analyzed to identify and characterize different cell types, detect abnormalities, study cellular processes, and assess cell viability.
Cytometers can be further divided into different types based on their capabilities. Some cytometers only provide basic cell counting and analysis, while others have additional features like cell sorting, cell viability assessment, or single-cell analysis. Advances in technology have led to the development of high-throughput cytometers, which are capable of analyzing a large number of cells in a short period of time, making them crucial tools in both research laboratories and clinical settings.
An accessory of the microscope, employed in counting and measuring cells, especially blood-cells.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cytometer" is derived from the Greek words "kýtos" meaning "cell" and "metron" meaning "measure". Hence, "cytometer" literally translates to "cell measure" in Greek.