Abstract: How to isolate the pure cell samples with certain characteristics from complex heterogeneous and numerous cells is a difficult problem. It perplexes researchers in life science and clinical pathology for a long time. The methods for effectively isolating pure, undamaged, and highspecific cells have significant influences on the explanation of life process, the study of pathological mechanism, the determination of treatment plan, and the analysis of drug efficacy. In this study, the research progress of single cell isolation methods and instrument is reviewed and summarized. Fluorescent activated cell sorting, microfluidics, laser microdissection and micromanipulator are emphasized. Firstly, for the cell isolation methods, the working principle and the corresponding theoretical models are presented. Secondly, the cell isolation instrument, the structural feature, research progress and main performance parameters are analyzed. Finally, the advantages and limitations of various single cell isolation methods are discussed. Meanwhile, the trend of single cell isolation methods is prospected. .txt