Cytometry is the
measurement of the characteristics of
cells. Variables that can be measured by cytometric methods include
cell size,
cell count, cell morphology (shape and structure),
cell cycle phase,
DNA content, and the existence or absence of specific
proteins on the cell surface or in the
cytoplasm. Cytometry is used to characterize and count
blood cells in common
blood tests such as the
complete blood count. In a similar fashion, cytometry is also used in cell biology research and in medical diagnostics to characterize cells in a wide range of applications associated with diseases such as
cancer and
AIDS.