flowio

Parse FCS files to extract event data and metadata into NumPy arrays or DataFrames.

321|26|Updated Mar 10, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/mkurman/tamux --skill flowio-mkurman
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: flowio
Source: https://github.com/mkurman/tamux/tree/main/skills/scientific-skills/flowio
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mkurman/tamux --skill flowio-mkurman

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Flow cytometry data often arrives in FCS files that mix metadata, raw events, and analysis results. This skill provides a robust, Python-based solution to read, parse, and export FCS data for analysis pipelines.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Read FCS files across versions 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1 and access both metadata (PnN, PnS, PnR) and event data.
  • Extract event data into NumPy arrays or convert to Pandas DataFrames for downstream analytics.
  • Create new FCS files from arrays, preserving or customizing TEXT metadata and channel names.
  • Handle multi-dataset FCS files and provide reliable error handling for common parsing issues.

Quick Start

Install the FlowIO package and load a sample FCS file to inspect channels and events.

Frequently Asked Questions about flowio

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I parse FCS flow cytometry files in Python?

You can parse FCS flow cytometry files using a Python-based parser that reads TEXT and DATA segments, extracting event data into NumPy arrays or Pandas DataFrames. It supports FCS versions 2.0 through 3.1.

Can I extract flow cytometry event data into a Pandas DataFrame?

Yes, flow cytometry event data can be extracted into a Pandas DataFrame. The parser reads raw events from the DATA segment and converts them into NumPy arrays or DataFrames for downstream analytics.

What Python version is required to parse FCS files?

Python 3.9 or higher is required to parse FCS files using this approach. The environment also needs the FlowIO, NumPy, and Pandas libraries installed to manage channel names and event data extraction.

How do I handle multi-dataset FCS files?

Handling multi-dataset FCS files involves reading the file structure to access multiple embedded datasets. The parser provides error handling for common issues while extracting metadata and event data across datasets.

Can I create new FCS files from NumPy arrays?

Yes, new FCS files can be created from NumPy arrays. This process allows you to preserve or customize TEXT metadata and channel names while generating valid Flow Cytometry Standard files for downstream analysis.

What metadata is available when parsing flow cytometry files?

When parsing flow cytometry files, available metadata includes standard TEXT segment parameters like PnN, PnS, and PnR, defining channel names, stains, and ranges alongside the raw event data extracted from the file.