Abstract: A new device and method for detecting the presence of living microorganisms in test samples are described. The device includes a container having at least one section transparent to light with an incubation zone defined in the container, the incubation zone containing growth media in which the sample is cultured. A detection zone containing a matrix composed of a polymeric material which is substantially transparent to light, and at least one indicator reagent sensitive to carbon dioxide gas generated by the microorganisms in the incubation zone is located in the transparent section of the matrix. The matrix is configured to facilitate penetration of external light aimed at the transparent section of the container and interaction of the external light with the indicator reagent to yield interactive light that escapes through the transparent section of the container, said interactive light is being indicative of the presence and/or concentration of the microorganisms.

Abstract: Provided is a measuring chip, which can spot a specimen liquid of a minute quantity for an immune agglutination easily and precisely to the measuring chip and which can prevent the flow of the specimen liquid and the contamination of the specimen. The measuring chip comprises at least two substrates, a spacer arranged between the substrates, at least one passage made of the substrates and the spacer into a hollow shape and having two open ends, counter electrodes for applying an electric field, and a specimen-spotted portion to be spotted with the specimen. The specimen-spotted portion has a structure made of a square, circular, elliptical or sector shape by that spacer. Moreover, the specimen-spotted portion has two open ends, one of which is connected to one open end of that passage.

Abstract: A testing microchip includes a specimen storage section; a reagent storage section; a reaction section; a testing section for a test of a reaction product obtained from the reaction; a liquid feed control section; and a gas bubble trapping structure. The sections are connected continuously by a series of flow channels. The liquid feed control section stops passing of liquid until a liquid feeding pressure reaches a predetermined pressure, and passes the liquid when the liquid feeding pressure becomes higher than the predetermined pressure; and the gas bubble trapping structure traps a gas bubble in the liquid that flows in the flow channel so that the gas bubble does not flow to the downstream side and only the liquid passes to the downstream side. A testing apparatus that performs testing in the testing section of the testing microchip, wherein the testing microchip is attachably and detachably mounted to the apparatus.

Abstract: A particle agglutination-evaluating container for immunological analysis, based on an agglutinate formed in an agglutination reaction between an antibody- or antigen-containing sample and agglutination particles, includes a transparent container body having a bottom face including a sloping bottom face and a raised bottom face extended in a horizontal direction at the top of the sloping bottom face to form an obtuse angle with the sloping bottom face, and a fluidal separation layer containing insoluble particles which are filled in the container body and where the agglutination particles are separated according to the agglutination degree, wherein agglutination is evaluated by observation from the bottom of the container body, where the agglutination reaction is judged positive when the agglutination particles are observed through the raised bottom face, negative when observed at the bottom end of the sloping bottom face, and weakly positive when observed in the middle of the sloping bottom face.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring blood platelet contractility, hereinafter called a “retractometer” is disclosed. Also disclosed is a system apparatus and method for automatically measuring platelet contractility in a plurality of samples, having an array of retractometer units and an electronic solenoid valve controller to fully automate screening in clinical and research situations and save costs in labor.

Abstract: A reagent preparing apparatus capable of being connected to a sample measuring section for measuring a sample using a diluted reagent prepared by the reagent preparing apparatus, comprising: a reagent preparing section for preparing a diluted reagent containing a predetermined reagent and pure water; a pH measuring section for measuring hydrogen ion concentration of the diluted reagent prepared by the reagent preparing section; and a controller for performing predetermined processing, wherein the controller is configured to change the process to be performed based on the hydrogen ion concentration measured by the pH measuring section, is disclosed. A sample analyzer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated method for classifying a cytological sample is provided. The method comprises interrogating the sample with one or more wavelengths of light to obtain a result, and then attaching one or more designators to the sample based on whether the result meets a given criterion. The method allows for rapid feedback on the characteristics of the sample, permitting automated designation of the sample as positive for a given characteristic, and allowing for immediate remedial actions if the sample fails to meet the criterion.

Abstract: In a device for measuring the pressure of a medium, in particular a liquid medium, the device including a measuring chamber through which the medium can flow and which has at least one elastically deformable wall, at least one wall that is more rigid by comparison to the elastically deformable wall, and an inlet and outlet for the medium, at least one excitation electrode is provided in or on the at least one more rigid wall of the measuring chamber, and at least one signal electrode is provided on the elastically deformable wall, for impedance measurement.

Abstract: A method is provided for adjusting either the signal measured or activity calculated by an instrument or a predefined calibration curve for a medical diagnostic test, performed on an instrument with pre-calibrated reagents. A calibration adjuster for a blood clotting diagnostic test is further provided.

Abstract: A method capable of stirring a liquid sample and a reagent promptly and easily includes the following steps (A) and (B). In step (A), using a cell including: a liquid sample retaining section having a plurality of particles; and a liquid sample supply inlet, a liquid sample containing an analyte is supplied from the liquid sample supply inlet to the liquid sample retaining section. In step (B), the liquid sample and a specific binding substance capable of specifically binding to the analyte are stirred by the movement of the particles caused by the flow of the liquid sample in the cell resulting from the supply of the liquid sample, to obtain a liquid mixture. The electric charge of at least the surface of the particles and the electric charge of the specific binding substance have the same polarity in the liquid mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample using at least one photon producing agent and at least one photon reducing agent (e.g. dye-based photon reducing agents). The present invention further provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g. a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one collisional quencher. The present invention also provides a method for reducing undesirable light emission from a sample (e.g., a biochemical or cellular sample) with at least one photon producing agent and at least one quencher, such as an electronic quencher. The present invention also provides a system and method of screening test chemicals in fluorescent assays using photon reducing agents. The present invention also provides compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits for practicing these methods.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer comprising: a reagent container holder; a measurement unit; and an information processing unit configured to perform operations comprising: controlling the measurement unit so as to start the successive measurement of the plurality of samples; determining whether or not to switch from the first reagent container to the second reagent container while performing the successive measurement by using the reagent contained in the first reagent container; controlling the measurement unit so as to suspend a start of aspiration of a next sample, to measure a quality control measurement sample prepared from the reagent contained in the second reagent container, when determined to switch from the first reagent container to the second reagent container; and controlling the measurement unit so as to start the aspiration of the next sample when an analysis result of the quality control measurement sample meets a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A system for monitoring non-volatile residue concentrations in ultra pure water includes a nebulizer for generating an aerosol composed of multiple water droplets, a heating element changing the aerosol to a suspension of residue particles, and a condensation particle counter to supersaturate the dried aerosol to cause droplet growth through condensation of a liquid onto the particles. The nebulizer incorporates a flow dividing structure that divides exiting waste water into a series of droplets. The droplets are counted to directly indicate a waste water flow rate and indirectly indicate an input flow rate of water supplied to the nebulizer. The condensation particle counter employs water as the condensing medium, avoiding the need for undesirable chemical formulations and enabling use of the ultra pure water itself as the condensing medium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for quantifying antigen, such as the amount expressed on a cell. The method comprises formulating an equation of correlation between the amount expressed of expressed antigen and the intensity of fluorescence from fluorescent labelled antibody.

Abstract: The fluidic system of the preferred embodiment includes a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone and a waste pump to pump waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system also includes a controller to adjust the flow rate of the sample fluid from the sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system is preferably incorporated into a flow cytometer with a flow cell that includes the interrogation zone.

Abstract: Non-surgical artificial insemination is achieved for sexed and unsexed equines in a commercially practical manner and with dosages of insemination sperm which were not previously thought to be practical for commercial implementation. Practical and field usable techniques for insemination are presented as well as techniques which offer success ratios at level comparable to the existing routine, high dosage unsexed artificial insemination techniques in equines. Improved insemination and sorting systems particularly adapted to use for sex-selected sperm are disclosed.

Abstract: An assay device and method for measuring the concentration of LDL-associated cholesterol in a blood-fluid sample are described. The method employs selective precipitation of VLDL and chylomicrons and immunoseparation of HDL from a blood fluid sample. The assay device allows the assay to be performed entirely in a flow strip format.

Abstract: Methods for reducing time to result in blood bank diagnostic testing with an agitation device and a low ionic strength solution are disclosed. Specifically provided are methods for reducing incubation time for antigen-antibody reactions in an immunohematologic assay by subjecting the assay reactants to incubation with agitation and optionally additionally a low ionic strength diluent.

Abstract: A method for determining prothrombin time of a plasma or whole blood sample includes measuring prothrombin time for at least two different dilutions for a test sample to determine tmin or INRmin. The prothrombin time for at least two different dilutions for normal plasma is measured to determine tmin or INRmin values for normal plasma. Next, tPivka or INRPivka values are calculated by subtracting the value for normal plasma from the value for the test sample. The Pivka corrected prothrombin time for the test sample is calculated by subtracting tPivka or INRPivka from the prothrombin time measured for the test sample.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of assaying circulating microparticles contained in a sample of whole blood or blood plasma from a patient to determine the patient's ability to generate thrombin or Factor Xa as blood-clotting factors, wherein the circulating microparticles are microparticles of platelets, endothelial cells, monocytes, and smooth muscle cells, which carry on their surfaces both negatively charged phospholipids as well as tissue factor. The results of the assay may be used to determine the ability of the patient to generate thrombin or Factor Xa as blood clotting factor based upon the circulating microparticles.

Abstract: A multichannel system for classifying particles according to one or more characteristics of the particles includes a plurality of flow cytometry units. Each flow cytometry unit is operable to classify particles in a mixture of particles by interrogating a stream of fluid containing particles using a beam of electromagnetic radiation. Each flow cytometry unit has a sensor operable to generate a time-varying output signal indicative of at least one characteristic of the particles in the stream of fluid as the stream of fluid is interrogated by the beam of electromagnetic radiation. The flow cytometry units share an integrated platform and perhaps even a common processor for receiving and processing information from the units. The common processor is programmed to receive the time-varying output signals from the flow cytometry units substantially continuously and to process the output signals.

Abstract: A sample analyzer includes (a) a measuring part for measuring optical information of a sample at first wavelength, second wavelength, and third wavelength, first light of the first wavelength and second light of the second wavelength being absorbed by a second substance but substantially not absorbed by a first substance, and third light of the third wavelength being absorbed by the first substance; and (b) an obtaining part for obtaining content of the first substance in the sample, and content of the second substance in the sample, influence by the second substance being excluded from the content of the first substance, based on the optical information at the first wavelength, second wavelength, and third wavelength measured by the measuring part.

Abstract: It is intended to allow the concentration of a substance such as an endotoxin or ?-D glucan measured via gelation reactions to be measured in a short time and at a high sensitivity and a high specificity. In a measuring apparatus for measuring a target substance in a sample cell via a gelation reaction, a sample cell 13 for housing a specimen containing the substance to be measured and a solution containing a gelating reagent is irradiated with a laser beam from a semiconductor laser 11. The solution in the sample cell is stirred by a stir bar 25 to generate minute and uniform gel particles, which are caused to pass through the laser beam. Scattered light from the gel particles generated in the sample cell 13 is detected by a photodiode array 18, and a scattered-light intensity of the generated gel particles or the diameter and the number thereof is measured on time series by a computer 21 on the basis of a scattered-light detection output of the photodiode array.

Abstract: A cell isolating device and method is provided to concentrate or isolate cells with specific characteristics from a mixture of different cell types. One embodiment may comprise two subtypes of antibodies that are directly conjugated to biotin (Abb) and conjugated to a fluorescent molecule (Abf). The conjugated antibodies (Abb+Abf) bind to the target cells in a mixed cell suspension. The cell suspension is then passed over an immobilized avidin or streptavidin substrate on a glass microscope slide. The biotinylated target cells adhere to the avidin/streptavidin substrate, while the unbound cells are washed off and collected in a wicking member. Captured cells on the avidin/streptavidin substrate may then be visualized directly using a fluorescent microscope or detected and enumerated via an on-board fluorescent detection device.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for detection of analytes based on measuring the anchoring strength of liquid crystals having distorted geometries. Methods for detecting an analyte in a sample include the steps of: (a) capturing an analyte on a substrate surface wherein the substrate surface defines an easy axis when in contact with a liquid crystal. Substrate surface and liquid crystal are brought into contact and an analyte-dependent departure in the orientation of the liquid crystal from the easy axis of the substrate surface is measured. This departure indicates the presence of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: To increase the adhesion strength of coagulated blood on a surface by increasing the surface interaction of blood-inherent components like fibrin/fibrinogen and thrombocytes it is described to treat the surface by exposing it to ionized atoms or molecules. The surface treatment according to the invention is applied on plastic disposables used in blood diagnostics (e.g. hemostasis analysis) as well as medical implants like artery sealings. The improved blood clot adhesion results in higher diagnostic security due to reduced measurement failure (e.g., for patients with increased thrombocyte content) and in better significance of special tests (e.g., hyperfibrinolysis diagnosis).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry. In one embodiments, selected circulating cells of interest of a subject are labeled with fluorescent probe molecules. The labeled cells are irradiated in-vivo so as to excite the fluorescent probes, and the radiation emitted by the excited probes is detected, preferably confocally. The detected radiation is then analyzed to derive desired information, such as relative cell count, of the cells of interest. In some embodiments, the circulating cells comprise apoptotic cells whose detection can allow, e.g., non-invasive monitoring of the efficacy of a cancer treatment, such as an anti-tumor or an anti-angiogenic therapy.

Abstract: Described are determination procedures for fibrinogen and/or fibrinogen-derivatives by matrix-independent turbidimetry. In the FIFTA called procedure the fibrinogen activity is preferably determined in an undiluted sample by addition of thrombin and/or albumin, as well as polybrene if appropriate, in PBS and determination of the increase in absorbance at 405 nm. In the FIATA called procedure the fibrinogen-concentration and/or the concentration of fibrinogen-derivatives is preferably determined by addition of vancomycin and determination of the increase in turbidity at 405 nm. It is standardized by usage of plasma standards of known fibrinogen-activity and/or fibrinogen-concentration.

Abstract: A hemostasis analyzer, such as the Thrombelastograph® (TEG®) hemostasis analyzer is utilized to measure continuously in real time, the hemostasis process from the initial fibrin formation, through platelet-fibrin interaction and lysis to generate blood hemostasis parameters. The measured blood hemostasis parameters permit evaluation of a patient hemostasis condition.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for enumerating one or more specific elements within a biologic fluid sample are provided. An embodiment of the method includes the steps of: a) providing a chamber formed between a first planar member that is transparent and a second planar member, which members are separated from one another by a substantially uniform height; b) introducing the biologic fluid sample into the chamber, wherein the chamber height is sized such that the sample extends between the first and second members, and sized relative to the specific elements within the sample such that the specific elements non-uniformly distribute within the sample upon introduction into the chamber; c) examining substantially all of the sample within the chamber and enumerating all of at least one of the specific elements; d) determining the volume of sample contained within the chamber; and e) determining the number of the at least one of the specific elements per unit volume.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclose a flow cytometric apparatus comprising a flow chamber to be passed through by a sample in a row in sequence, a sample storage means for metering and storing the sample, a sample syringe for driving the sample into the flow chamber, a syringe-type injection-suction device comprising a sheath liquid syringe and a liquid-path switching means connected with it, and a control unit for controlling the operations of the sample syringe and the syringe-type the injection-suction means. In a sample charging stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sample into the sample storage means so that the sample is temporarily stored in it in a ready-to-use state, and in a sheath-liquid injection stage, the injection-suction means feeds the sheath liquid into the flow chamber to form a sheath flow. A flow cytometric method performed by the flow cytometric apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flow cytometry system (1) for sorting haploid cells, specifically irradiatable sperm cells, with an intermittingly punctuated radiation emitter (56). Embodiments include a beam manipulator (21) and even split radiation beams directed to multiple nozzles (5). Differentiation of sperm characteristics with increased resolution may efficiently allow differentiated sperm cells to be separated higher speeds and even into subpopulations having higher purity.

Abstract: Microfluidic cartridges for agglutination reactions are provided. The cartridges include a microfluidic reaction channel with at least two intake channels, one for an antigen-containing fluid and the other for an antibody-containing fluid, conjoined to a reaction channel modified by incorporation of a downstream flow control channel. At low Reynolds Number, the two input streams layer one on top of the other in the reaction channel and form a flowing, unmixed horizontally-stratified laminar fluid diffusion (HLFD) interface for an extended duration of reaction. Surprisingly, the design, surface properties, and flow regime of microfluidic circuits of the present invention potentiate detection of antibody mediated agglutination at the stratified interface. Antigen:antibody reactions involving agglutination potentiated by these devices are useful in blood typing, in crossmatching for blood transfusion, and in immunodiagnostic agglutination assays, for example.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.

Abstract: A flow cytometer subsystems monitors a particle sensing zone within a fluid transport chamber for the presence of a particle (e.g., blood cell) traveling therethrough, and produces an output pulse, whose width is representative of the trajectory and thereby the length of time that the particle is within the particle sensing zone as it travels through the fluid transport chamber. This output pulse is then processed in accordance with geometry parameters of successive time delay zones of the particle fluid transport chamber through which the particle passes, in order to derive a composite time delay between the sensing of the particle to the time at which a fluid droplet containing the particle will break off from the carrier fluid. The composite time delay is employed to accurately establish the time at which the particle is controllably charged as the particle breaks off from the carrier fluid.

Abstract: A syringe block (1) includes a plurality of syringes (2) and a collector (3), the syringes each having a suction volume, and the collector includes electromagnetic valves. First tubes directly link the electromagnetic valves to the internal volumes and second tubes extend from the electromagnetic valves towards the containers for the sample and/or other liquids, at least one of the syringes being an air pump (15, 16). The syringe block can be used as a support for various components used for the operation thereof, and can be arranged in a climatic condition reproducer. One such syringe block is especially adapted to be used in a liquid analyser, the air pump being used especially to take a sample and/or to drain and clean different recipients containing a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport, and to measure lipid levels by correlating these levels with the rate at which oxygen diffuses through the red blood cell membrane.

Abstract: A method for enumerating white blood cells and nucleated red blood cells. The steps of the method are as follows: (a) providing a lysed sample of whole blood; (b) introducing the lysed sample to a light-scattering multi-angle depolarizing flow cytometer; (c) removing depolarizing interference, e.g., lipid droplets and other measured particles; (d) differentiating nucleated red blood cells and noise from white blood cells in the absence of depolarizing interference; (e) differentiating nucleated red blood cells from noise in the absence of depolarizing interference and white blood cells; and (f) differentiating possible platelet clumps.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a blood sample analyzing apparatus, comprising: an aspirator for aspirating a blood sample to be used for measurement; a coagulation determiner for determining whether the blood sample is coagulated or not; and an aspirating controller for controlling an operation of the aspirator based on a determination result by the coagulation determiner.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring blood clotting time includes a blood clot detection instrument and a cuvette for use with the blood clot detection instrument. The cuvette includes a blood sample receptor-inlet; a channel arrangement including at least one test channel for performing a blood clotting time measurement, a sampling channel having at least one surface portion that is hydrophilic, communicating with the blood sample receptor-inlet and the at least one test channel, and a waste channel having at least one surface portion that is hydrophilic, communicating with the sampling channel; and a vent opening communicating with the sampling channel. The sampling channel, the vent opening and the waste channel, coact to automatically draw a requisite volume of a blood sample deposited at the blood receptor-inlet, into the sampling channel.

Abstract: A sample analyzer with a removable and/or disposable cartridge for use at the point of care of a patient such as in a doctor's office, in the home, or elsewhere in the field. By providing a removable and/or disposable cartridge with all of the needed reagents and/or fluids, the sample analyzer can be reliably used outside of the laboratory environment, with little or no specialized training.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring and calibrating sample injection volume or mobile phase delivery rate of any type of micropumps or their integrated systems by using the direct proportion of the total activity (or mass) to the delivery rate (or volume) of a radiochemical nuclide with known activity in a certain time period. Also, the present invention may adjust the range of measurement and calibration from micro-liter (?L) to pico-liter (pL) or from ?L/min to pL/min by selecting nuclide species and their concentrations from different liquid calibration radiation sources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reagent and a process for the identification and counting of biological cells in a sample. This reagent comprises a cell lysing agent selected from at least one detergent in a concentration capable of specifically lysing a given type of cells in the sample, and a stain capable of marking the intracellular nucleic acids of the remaining unlysed cells. Application in particular for the identification and counting of cells using an automated analysis system based on flow cytometry.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising at least one test channel, which test channel comprises an upper test channel section with an upstream end and a sampling region at its upstream end and at least one reference channel, which reference channel comprises an upper reference channel section with an upstream end and a sampling region at its upstream end. The test channel and the reference channel comprise a merging region downstream to the upper test channel section and a common downstream channel section. The merging region and the common downstream channel section are arranged such that a reference liquid flowing from the upper reference channel section into the merging region will block a test liquid flow in the upper test channel section when the test liquid flow has not yet reached the merging section. The microfluid device may be used for detecting change of flow properties e.g. due to agglomeration, agglutination or viscosity change in a liquid preferably selected from water, urine, blood, or blood plasma.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting the product of a reaction on a particle held at the pressure node of a standing wave. The methods and apparatus are particularly concerned with blood typing and the Coombs method.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing erythrocytes in a biological specimen, includes preparing a sample liquid so as to cause damage to a cell membrane of yeast-like fungi without hemolyzing erythrocytes in a biological specimen and to stain the yeast-like fungi with a fluorescent dye; detecting a first information and a second information from a particle in the sample liquid, wherein the first information reflects a size of the particle and the second information reflects a degree of fluorescent staining of the particle; and distinguishing the erythrocytes from the yeast-like fungi based on the first information and second information detected. An apparatus, a reagent kit and a reagent for carrying out the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable analytical device is provided for analysis of a component of a body fluid. A measuring facility within the device may carry out the analysis on a test element inserted therein. The test element may contain a reagent that reacts with a liquid sample of the body fluid when the test element is contacted thereby to produce a change that is characteristic of the analysis. A processor may process measuring values determined by the measuring facility to yield analytical measuring data taking into account calibration values. A standardized, wire-based computer interface may be provided on the analytical device via which the analytical device can be operated by a computer, the analytical measuring data can be transmitted from the analytical device to the computer, the analytical device can be supplied with electrical power by the computer, and the analytical device can provide software to be read-out by the computer.

Abstract: Improved insemination systems particularly adapted to use for sex-selected sperm sorting include systems which achieve superovulation and then multiple embryo production with sexed embryos. These systems combine with other techniques, including techniques for enhanced sheath fluid and other strategies which minimize stress on the sperm cells, and, potentially, a 2.9 percent sodium citrate sheath solution for bovine species and a hepes bovine gamete media for equine species. Improved collection systems and techniques for the process are described so that commercial application of sperms samples as well as the resulting animals may be achieved.

Abstract: The sheath flow forming device includes: a container for storing sample fluid and having a supply port for supplying the sample fluid; a second container for storing sheath fluid and having a supply port for supplying the sheath fluid; a flow cell having a sample fluid inlet for receiving sample fluid supplied from the supply port of the first container, a sheath fluid inlet for receiving the sheath fluid from the supply port of the second container, and an outlet for discharging the mixture of the sheath fluid and the sample fluid; a first pump for supplying a sheath fluid to the sheath fluid inlet; a second pump for suctioning fluid within the flow cell through the outlet of the flow cell; and a first drive source for driving the first pump and second pump.