Full Spectrum Flow Cytometry utilizes the principles of Conventional Flow Cytometry but differs in its optical capabilities. The technology has transcended from the conventional one fluorochrome: one detector configuration to a one fluorochrome: multi-detector model. Whereas in Conventional Flow Cytometry only the emission peak of a fluorochrome (i.e., APC: 660 nm) is measured, Full Spectrum Flow Cytometry utilizes the full emitted light signature of a fluorochrome (APC: 600 to 750 nm). The great advantage of the technology is that it 1) permits the use of related fluorochromes i.e., APC and Alexa Fluor 647, in the same panel due to difference in their full spectrum signature – in conventional flow cytometry these fluorochromes are routinely not used in the same panel –  and 2) allows for the design of panels that can now analyse a large number (>30) of parameters, simultaneously.

Another great benefit to full spectrum flow cytometer is the ability to define the autofluorescence profile of cells (e.g., macrophages, stem cells and bronchoalveolar lavage cells are notorious for having a high auto fluorescent signal) which is removed/minimized from the sample data.