Cytometers are used for counting cells. Biotech applications that involve various cell types use cytometers to keep track of the types and quantities of cells. For example, a hemocytometer is used in biotech applications that involve blood cells.
Traditionally, cytometry was performed using microscopes and special cytometry slides. This made it a tedious and laborious process. Even a skilled scientist can only count about 200 cells per minute.
Nowadays, much of cytometry is more thoroughly automated. For example, a flow cytometer employs monochromatic light (typically a laser beam) to enumerate, sort, and identify cells within a laminar flow of liquid.
