Characterization of the sensitivity of side scatter in a flow-stream waveguide flow cytometer.
BACKGROUND
We previously reported a new optical configuration, in which both the side scatter and the fluorescence are collected using the index-guided, total internal reflection of a flow stream in air (the flow-stream waveguide).


METHODS
Using a mixture of 0.202-microm and 0.093-microm diameter polystyrene beads, we have characterized the side scatter (SSC) sensitivity of a custom-built flow cytometer (miniFlo) which incorporates a flow-stream waveguide.


RESULTS
The SSC-triggered SSC signal of 0.093-microm polystyrene beads in water was almost baseline resolved from the background. We also measured the SSC-triggered SSC signal of the same beads in water on our FACScan, which is a commercial unit with the conventional optical arrangement that uses a custom imaging objective to collect light from a sheath flow cuvette in perpendicular direction-the signal from 0.093-microm beads was not resolved from the background.


CONCLUSIONS
The SSC sensitivity of miniFlo is one of the best reported in the literature. Cytometry 37:160-163, 1999. Published 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mariella
R P
RP
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA. Mariella1@llnl.gov
Huang
Z
Z
Langlois
R G
RG
D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity