Like traditional fluorescence-based flow cytometry, mass cytometry allows multiple cellular parameters to be measured simultaneously. Instead of the in flow cytometry used fluorochromes, mass cytometry uses heavy metal reporter ions. This allows the quantification of up to 45 cellular parameters simultaneously with hardly any overlap. Thus, mass cytometry or cytometry by Time of Flight (CyTOF) adds new dimensions to the study of cellular heterogeneity and diversity.

Helios (CyTOF)

The Helios is a modern mass cytometer, which quantifies cell-associated heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. With an analytical range of 75-209 Dalton, it provides users with 135 detection channels that can simultaneously resolve multiple elemental probes at high acquisition rates superior mass resolution provide researchers with the ability to differentiate adjacent peaks.