clinical vs research flow cytometer - (Jan/24/2013 )

Hi,

What classifies a clinical vs a research cytometer?

In other words, I see on the BD website that they call their:
FACSCalibur 1 Laser
FACSCalibur 2 Laser
FACSCanto II
as clinical flow cytometers

and their
Accuri C6
FACSVerse
LSRFortessa
as research flow cytometers.

Beckman Coulter does the same on their website calling their:
EPICS XL 3
EPICS XL 4
EPICS Elite
FC500
as clinical flow cytometers

and their:
Gallios
Cyan ADP 7 Color
Cyan ADP 9 Color
as research flow cytometers

What defines the classification of a clinical device vs a research device?
I'm searching other manufacturers and they don't classify them as one or the other. I want to compare all systems 'apples to apples' so I'm very curious.

Thanks for your input!!
Phil

hmmm.....interesting! I could imagine that clinical devices have a higher throughput....but that's just a guess from me. In case no one else knows the answer here, I would contact BD and Beckman Coulter directly by mail and ask; I'm sure they'll be able to tell you the difference.

I think the clinical flow cytometers will be restricted to some clinical applications, i.e. hematology etc. So there will be less filters and detectors, whereas research cytometers will be broad with more detectors and filters. I am also guessing here, best would be as tabaluga said to ask from BD person itself. If you found out the answer please share it with us

Just to update, as recommended I asked BD and Beckman Coulter directly.

Both said their clinical systems are intended for IVD and research ones are not.

Thanks!