Evaluation and validation of a novel 10-color flow cytometer

Abstract

Background: Flow cytometry is a powerful technique that provides information regarding cell properties. In this study, we evaluated the analytical performance of a new flow cytometer, the 10-color BD FACSLyricTM, which could help doctors obtain reliable test results prior to clinical research. Methods: We used SpheroTM Rainbow Calibration Particles and the SpheroTM Nano Fluorescent Particle Size Standard Kit to validate the fluorescence sensitivity and linearity. The Beckman Coulter IMMUNO-TROL Cell was used as the quality control to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of surface markers detected by the flow cytometer. Furthermore, BD Calibrate APC Beads and CS&T Research Beads were applied to calculate the carry-over contamination rate and assess the instrument stability. Results: A linear regression equation between the molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome and fluorescence detection limit showed a good linear fit (R2 > 0.99). The minimum bead size detected by side scatter was 0.22 μm. The coefficient of variation percentage of each fluorescence channel was below 2%, and the carry-over contamination rate of the cytometer was under 0.2%. After running the BD FACSLyricTM cytometer continuously for 8 h, the median fluorescence index of particles remained close to that at the time of cytometer startup. Conclusions: The 10-color BD FACSLyricTM cytometer showed good performance in the evaluation performed in this study and may be trusted to provide accurate results for clinical research.