Vocabularies for handling flow cytometry data

In the frame of the SeaDataCloud program, for the first time, a special focus is given to the flow cytometry data so as to make them interoperable with the SeaDataNet system. A preparatory work for building a flow cytometry common and standardized vocabulary is undertaken by CNRS/MIO, BODC and VLIZ and presented in the “Seadatanet Letter.

In order to update this vocabulary codes with a large consensus of FCM users, a questionnaire has been created and submitted to FCM users (more than 150) all over the world. It covers four main parts : FCM Group names and definitions, FCM Metadata, Sample Metadata and FCM Data. Results from it will mature the standard vocabulary for FCM. A future work will consist in integrating specific data from the high diversity of benchtop flow cytometers. Pictures collected by some flow cytometers only will go through an already defined way of taxonomical collection and management (automated images recognition tools and diversity established databases).