Is 488 a FITC?

Is 488 a FITC?

Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) is a fluorophore traditionally used in various applications such as flow cytometry, microscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. It is known for its high efficiency in absorbing and emitting light, making it a popular choice for labeling proteins, antibodies, and other molecules in biological research.

FITC is excited at a peak wavelength of approximately 495 nm and emits light at a peak wavelength of around 519 nm. The number 488 refers to the 488 nm laser line, which is commonly used to excite FITC and other fluorophores that are excited in the blue spectrum. While 488 nm is not the peak excitation wavelength for FITC, it is close enough to efficiently excite FITC-labeled molecules, resulting in strong fluorescence emission.

In summary, 488 is not FITC itself but rather a common laser wavelength used to excite FITC and other similar fluorophores in fluorescence-based applications.