Why is precision important in flow cytometry validation?

Precision is a critical aspect of flow cytometry validation because it ensures consistent results across repeated samples. In flow cytometry, precision refers to the degree to which repeated measurements under unchanged conditions yield the same results. High precision is essential for reliable quantitative analyses, especially when measuring populations of cells or assessing quantitative biomarkers.

When conducting experiments in flow cytometry, variations can occur due to various factors such as instrument performance, sample handling, and biological variability. If the results are not consistent when the same sample is analyzed multiple times, it may lead to misinterpretation of biological significance or treatment efficacy. Consistency in results helps to validate the reliability of the assay and ensures that any observed changes are due to biological variations rather than technical errors.

In contrast, while sensitivity, specificity, and reference values are important metrics in validating flow cytometry assays, they do not directly address the consistency of results for repeated measurements, which is the core focus of precision. Therefore, emphasizing the importance of precision is key in establishing the reliability of flow cytometry data.