Abstract: The present invention provides improved capillaries that lead to increased resolution in conventional capillary-flow cytometers. The cross-sectional shape of capillaries made according to the present invention lack a center of symmetry. In some embodiments, capillaries have inner side walls that are tilted at angles with respect to the collection-system optical axis so that the widest dimension of the inner bore is closest to the collection optical system and have an outer wall closest to the collection optical system with a dimension large enough to minimize the contribution of outer-wall refraction to the collected light signal. Exemplary capillary embodiments include tubes with a rectangular outer wall and a trapezoidal inner wall, a rectangular outer wall and a triangular inner wall, triangular outer and inner walls, a triangular outer wall with a trapezoidal inner wall, and a hemispherical or rhomboid outer wall and trapezoidal or triangular inner wall.

Abstract: A multicolor particle analyzer and method is described. The particles each of which either naturally fluoresce or are tagged to fluoresce at distinctive wavelengths are caused to flow through an analyzing volume where fluorescence is excited by an impinging light beam. A tunable optical filter repetitively and sequentially passes emitted light at each of the characteristic wavelengths as each particle travels through the analyzing volume and the light transmitted through the optical filter is received by single detector which provides output signals representative of each distinct wavelength of light emitted by the particle.

Abstract: A particle analyzer in which tagged particles to be analyzed are drawn through a suspended capillary tube where a predetermined volume in the capillary tube is illuminated. The illumination scattered by said particles is detected by a detector to count all particles. The fluorescent illumination emitted by tagged particles is detected and the output signals from the fluorescent detectors and scatter detector are processed to provide an analysis of the particles.

Abstract: A graphical user interface on a computer provides for the analysis of location specific data and the presentation of analysis results for visual comparison by a user. Results of the analysis are visually presented as icons subdivided into regions and arranged in such a way that the user is able to associate each icon with a data location. A visual presentation of results in the icons and regions allows a user to visually compare the analysis results in two or more data sets according to location. The graphical user interface further provides for the definition and adjustment of an analysis through the interaction of a user with a graphical representation of the analysis. In some cases, the visual presentation of results tracks the analysis adjustments so the user can visually observe the effects that the adjustments have on the results. A method of interacting with the interface to define an analysis and represent results and a method of presenting two or more data sets using the interface are described.

Abstract: A particle analyzer in which tagged particles to be analyzed are drawn through a suspended capillary tube where a predetermined volume in the capillary tube is illuminated. The illumination scattered by said particles is detected by a detector to count all particles. The fluorescent illumination emitted by tagged particles is detected and the output signals from the fluorescent detectors and scatter detector are processed to provide an analysis of the particles.

Abstract: There is provided a flow cell assembly in which a shuttle supports and positions a capillary with its end extending beyond the shuttle. The flow cell assembly facilitates the replacement of a flow cell which is damaged or with flow cells having capillaries of different size or shape.

Abstract: Fluorescent dyes, fluorescence energy transfer dye couples, multi-color dye sets, can be employed in art-recognized assays and certain novel methods, such as in proximity assays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a fluorescent substance tagged to a microparticle are described. The device comprises a single capillary flow carrier system for transporting the microparticle past a selected location, a source of electromagnetic radiation for irradiating the substance tagged to the microparticle, and a detection system for measuring fluorescent light emitted from the substance at the selected location. The method comprises transporting the microparticle to a selected location, irradiating a fluorescent substance tagged to the microparticle, and measuring the fluorescent light emitted from the fluorescent substance at the selected location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a fluorescent substance tagged to a microparticle are described. The device comprises a single capillary flow carrier system for transporting the microparticle past a selected location, a source of electromagnetic radiation for irradiating the substance tagged to the microparticle, and a detection system for measuring fluorescent light emitted from the substance at the selected location. The method comprises transporting the microparticle to a selected location, irradiating a fluorescent substance tagged to the microparticle, and measuring the fluorescent light emitted from the fluorescent substance at the selected location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a fluorescent substance tagged to a microparticle are described. The device comprises a single capillary flow carrier system for transporting the microparticle past a selected location, a source of electromagnetic radiation for irradiating the substance tagged to the microparticle, and a detection system for measuring fluorescent light emitted from the substance at the selected location. The method comprises transporting the microparticle to a selected location, irradiating a fluorescent substance tagged to the microparticle, and measuring the fluorescent light emitted from the fluorescent substance at the selected location.

Abstract: A kit for labeling cells to determine their viability which includes a first dye for labeling non-viable cells and a second dye for labeling all cells, including non-viable cells in which the dyes are selected to have concentrations suitable for determining the viability of cells in cell suspensions having different cell viability.

Abstract: A particle analyzer in which tagged particles to be analyzed are drawn through a suspended capillary tube where a predetermined volume in the capillary tube is illuminated. The illumination scattered by said particles is detected by a detector to count all particles. The fluorescent illumination emitted by tagged particles is detected and the output signals from the fluorescent detectors and scatter detector are processed to provide an analysis of the particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a substance in a living organism. The apparatus can be used to provide an assessment of the feeding rate of the organism and can be used to measure water toxicity.