The International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry was created with the following purpose:

• To promote research, development, and applications in analytical cytometry. Analytical cytometry is broadly defined as the characterization and measurement of cells and cellular constituents for biological, diagnostic, and therapeutic purposes. It embraces components of cytochemistry, cytophysics, anatomy, biology, physiology, pathology, image analysis, instrumentation, clinical laboratory practice, and other subjects of relevance.
• To facilitate integration of the many disciplines within analytical cytometry.
• To disseminate knowledge of analytical cytometry.
• To provide information and advice on those aspects of public policy which are concerned with analytical cytometry.