What is virtual flow cytometry?

Virtual flow cytometry is a digital technique that simulates the process of traditional flow cytometry using computational models and data analysis tools. Instead of physically passing cells through a cytometer, researchers use high-dimensional data sets—often from single-cell RNA sequencing—to analyze cellular characteristics and populations virtually. This approach allows for detailed cell profiling without the need for extensive lab equipment, making it accessible for researchers working with large or complex data. Virtual flow cytometry is commonly used in bioinformatics, immunology, and cancer research to identify cell types and study their functions.