How to Optimize the Results of Your Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry is a highly exact measurement method for the analysis and quantification of cells and particles. The cells to be detected are transported to the measuring cell using a liquid system consisting of sample liquid and sheath flow. The sheath flow carries the sample into a microchannel and separates the cells so that they pass the measuring cell one by one.

Hydrodynamic focusing of individual cells is achieved only with the aid of a continuous and precise sheath flow. The speed of the sheath flow determines the speed of the cells and must be constant. Even small deviations lead to measurement errors.

“Such deviations can be prevented”, says Dr. Dorothee M. Runge, molecular biologist and active in technical sales at HNP Mikrosysteme; “This can succeed with a precise and dynamic pump. Usually, we are using a low pressure pump, like the mzr-2921. We can go back on a broad selection of materials and will then adapt the wetted parts according to customer specifications.”

Micro annular gear pumps are characterized by low pulse and low shear delivery, minimal dead volume and a long service life. Because of their low weight and compact design, they are ideally suited for integration in analytical instruments. Due to chemical resistant materials used for mzr-pumps, a chemical sterilization is possible. Beside the delivery of the sheath flow, these pumps are also used for cell and particle suspensions.

Flow cytometry has applications in a number of fields, including cell and molecular biology, pathology, immunology, plant biology , and medicine, especially in transplantation, hematology, prenatal diagnosis, genetics and sperm sorting for sex preselection.