SYSTEM FOR SENSING DROPLET FORMATION TIME DELAY IN A FLOW CYTOMETER

摘要

A droplet flow cytometer system which includes a system to optimize the droplet formation time delay based on conditions actually experienced includes an automatic droplet sample (73) which rapidly moves a plurality of containers (75) stepwise through the droplet stream while simultaneously adjusting the droplet time delay. Through the system sampling of an actual substance to be processed can be used to minimize the effect of the substances variations or the determination of which time delay is optimal. Analysis such as cell counting and the like may be conducted manually or automatically and input to a time delay adjustement which may then act with analysis equipement to revise the time delay estimate actually applied during processing. The automatic sample (73) can be controlled through a microprocessor and approriate programming to bracket an inital droplet formation time delay estimate. When maximization counts through volume, weight, or other types of analysis exists in the containers, the increment may then be reduced for a more accurate ultimate setting. This may be accomplished while actually processing the sample without interruption.