What determines the effectiveness of signal collection in flow cytometry?

The effectiveness of signal collection in flow cytometry is critically influenced by the threshold or discriminator setting. This parameter allows for the differentiation between signals of interest and background noise or unwanted light scatter. By appropriately setting the threshold, the system is enabled to detect events that surpass the predetermined level of signal intensity, ensuring that only relevant signals (e.g., those from fluorescently stained cells) are captured and analyzed.

This setting becomes crucial during data acquisition, as it directly impacts the sensitivity and specificity of the measurement. A well-optimized threshold enhances the quality of data by reducing the potential for false positives or noise interference, ultimately resulting in more accurate and reliable flow cytometric analysis.

While factors such as voltage pulse, laser intensity, and cell size can influence flow cytometry performance, they do not specifically address how effectively the system captures and processes the signals that are being analyzed. Hence, the threshold/discriminator is fundamental to the signal detection process.