Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for sorting cells. The apparatus for determining the mechanical properties of cells comprises: —a microfluidic channel having an inlet and an outlet, the channel being configured to let a fluid containing cells pass therethrough, —a means for introducing a fluid containing cells into the channel so as to establish a flow of the fluid within the channel, —a cell shape measurement device arranged to obtain information of a deformed shape of a cell deformed due to the flow pattern created by the interaction of the fluid flow with the channel, and —an analysis means arranged to use data from the cell shape measurement device to obtain mechanical properties of the cells.