What are the differences between image and flow cytometry?

Image and flow cytometry are two laboratory techniques that can be used to visualize cellular characteristics and to analyze cell cycle distribution. There are a few significant differences between these two techniques. 

Image cytometry 

Image cytometry provides visual images of cells along with cell cycle histograms. It can be performed with cells in suspension or with adherent cells on plates. The technique allows fixation of cells onto plates, staining, and imaging directly on the plate. 

Image cytometry analyzes related proteins involved in the cell cycle and offers subcellular localization information of labeled proteins as well as additional insights into protein location and quantity within cells. It is viewed as a complementary tool to traditional flow cytometry rather than a competitive one.

Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry is fast, accurate, and well-optimized for determining the percentage of cells in various phases of the cell cycle. It is typically used for analyzing individual cells in suspension and provides cell cycle histograms but does not provide visual images of cells. 

The ability to sort individual cells and measure multiple parameters simultaneously, high detection sensitivity, and speed of analysis are the main hallmarks of flow cytometry.