Isotype controls are primary antibodies that lack specificity to the target, but match the class and type of the primary antibody used in the application. Isotype controls are used as negative controls to help differentiate non-specific background signal from specific antibody signal.

What is the purpose of isotype control in flow cytometry?

Isotype controls are antibodies raised against an antigen not found on the cell type or sample analyzed. They have been developed for surface staining and their role is to ensure the observed staining is due to specific antibody binding to the target rather than an artifact.

Are isotype controls necessary?

In conclusion, isotype controls are useful for demonstrating that there was poor blocking of the cells. They should never be used to determine or set positivity in fully stained samples.