Abstract: A flow cytometer apparatus and methods for detecting and clearing a clog therein are disclosed. An example method for detecting a clog may include (i) detecting, via a fault detection system of a flow cytometer, a first plurality of events associated with a first aliquot from a first sample well, (ii) determining a count of the first plurality of events associated with the first aliquot, (iii) determining whether the count of the first plurality of events is below a minimum count tolerance and (iv) (a) if the count of the first plurality of events is below the minimum count tolerance, then determining that the flow cytometer has a clog, (b) if the count of the first plurality of events is equal to or above the minimum count tolerance, then detecting a second plurality of events associated with a second aliquot from a second sample well.

Abstract: A method for identifying sample boundaries of a plurality of samples is provided. The method includes moving a plurality of samples comprising particles into a fluid flow stream using a sampling probe and introducing marker beads into the fluid flow stream between adjacent samples in the plurality of samples via the sampling probe to produce a marker bead-separated plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream. Marker beads may be introduced into the fluid flow stream by introducing the marker beads from a chamber surrounding at least a portion of the sampling probe, or by introducing the marker beads from a cartridge having a pierceable membrane underlying at least one chamber, the at least one chamber containing marker beads. Sampling systems and apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting microplate well surface contact and setting standoff is provided. The apparatus may include a sample probe, coupled to a spring-loaded carriage, and a sensor configured to detect when the sample probe is in contact with a surface. The sample probe is moved toward a surface of a well in a well-plate until the sample end of the sample probe contacts the surface, whereby the carriage allows the probe to be displaced. Displacement of the probe is detected by the sensor and further downward movement of the carriage is stopped. A processor records the location of the sample probe and sets standoff based on the recorded location.

Abstract: A flow cytometer apparatus and methods for detecting and clearing a clog therein are disclosed. An example method for detecting a clog may include (i) detecting, via a fault detection system of a flow cytometer, a first plurality of events associated with a first aliquot from a first sample well, (ii) determining a count of the first plurality of events associated with the first aliquot, (iii) determining whether the count of the first plurality of events is below a minimum count tolerance and (iv) (a) if the count of the first plurality of events is below the minimum count tolerance, then determining that the flow cytometer has a clog, (b) if the count of the first plurality of events is equal to or above the minimum count tolerance, then detecting a second plurality of events associated with a second aliquot from a second sample well.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for analyzing a plurality of samples comprising obtaining with an autosampler a plurality of samples from a first plate having a plurality of sample wells wherein the autosampler has a plurality of probes for sampling a set of samples and wherein each probe of the plurality of probes is in communication with a separate flow cytometer via a separate conduit. The plurality of samples comprising particles is moved into a fluid flow stream for each separate conduit. Adjacent ones of the plurality of samples are separated from each other in the fluid flow stream by a separation gas, thereby forming a gas-separated fluid flow stream. The gas-separated fluid flow stream is independently guided to and through each separate flow cytometer.