anastomosis in flow cytometry

In flow cytometry, anastomosis refers to the process where cells or particles merge or connect during analysis, potentially leading to misinterpretation of data. It occurs when two or more cells pass so closely together through the instrument's laser that they are detected as a single event, making it seem like one larger cell with mixed features. Proper instrument setup, adjusting flow rates, and using narrower detectors help prevent this, ensuring accurate measurement of individual cells' properties. Understanding anastomosis is vital for precise data interpretation, especially when analyzing cell populations in research and clinical diagnostics.