Flow Cytometry Question

[bioislife]

Hey guys,

Not sure if this is even the right place to post but I have a question.

I'm brand new to flow cytometry so I was going over the protocol in lab today and doing an experiment. I just have a question. Why is it important to add the buffer that basically "kidnaps" the calcium in the solution? Not even sure if that makes sense but what's the significance of calcium in all of this?

I hope my question makes sense! Look forward to hearing what you guys think

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[bioislife]

Update: so I meant to write using a buffer with EDTA. So I researched and found an answer: it's important because cells contain cadherins, so cells will want to bind to each other. Cadherins are activated by Ca2+, so by chelating the calcium ions we essentially prevent cell-cell binding and have smooth flow cytometry!