Abstract: A subject of the invention is a method for discriminating between and counting at least two populations of biological elements carrying specific characteristics, optionally present in a sample. The invention allows the clear and unambiguous detection of at least three populations of biological elements by the use of only two detection means, which means that at least two populations of biological elements are detected by one and the same detection means. The invention can be carried out if three different probes are used, each recognizing and becoming fixed to one of the populations of biological elements to be detected, each of the probes being itself rendered detectable by a different marker, two of said markers having two emission spectra having at least one common part (overlapping emission spectra) and the third having an emission spectrum having essentially no part in common with the other two (non-overlapping spectrum).

Abstract: A subject of the invention is a method for discriminating between and counting at least two populations of biological elements carrying specific characteristics, optionally present in a sample. The invention allows the clear and unambiguous detection of at least three populations of biological elements by the use of only two detection means, which means that at least two populations of biological elements are detected by one and the same detection means. The invention can be carried out if three different probes are used, each recognizing and becoming fixed to one of the populations of biological elements to be detected, each of the probes being itself rendered detectable by a different marker, two of said markers having two emission spectra having at least one common part (overlapping emission spectra) and the third having an emission spectrum having essentially no part in common with the other two (non-overlapping spectrum).

Abstract: Microwave device for the continuous measurement of the viscosity of a viscous medium. The device includes a microwave source connected via a microwave guide to a sensor essentially incorporating at least one semi-rigid, coaxial microwave guide (2) for immersion in the medium. The cable has an outer sheath (4) and a core (6), which conduct electricity and are arranged coaxially. The space defined between the outer sheath and the core is filled by a dielectric (8). The core has a bare end (12) for placing in contact with the viscous medium. The sensor is intended to produce in the medium incident microwaves of a given power level, and to detect the power of the microwaves reflected by the medium. A second microwave guide (10) is provided for coupling the detector to the sensor.