What cell type is primarily identified by side scatter in flow cytometry?

In flow cytometry, side scatter is a critical parameter used to analyze cell characteristics. It measures the granularity or internal complexity of cells. The cell type primarily identified by side scatter are monocytes, which possess a certain level of granularity and complexity when compared to other leukocyte populations. Monocytes have larger size and distinct internal structures, which contribute to increased side scatter.

Neutrophils and granulocytes, while they also may exhibit side scatter due to their granules, are typically categorized based on their forward scatter and are identifiable through other parameters such as surface markers. Lymphocytes, on the other hand, are generally smaller and less granular, resulting in lower levels of side scatter than monocytes. Therefore, when assessing side scatter specifically, monocytes stand out due to their unique characteristics that correspond with this measurement.