Abstract: A linearity control system includes a series of linearity control compositions, each thereof includes white blood cell analogs and stabilized red blood cells in a suspension medium. The concentration of the white blood cell analogs in the series of control compositions increases from 0.2×103 to 800×103 analogs per microliter, and the concentration of the white blood cell analogs in at least one control composition is greater than 120×103 analogs per microliter. The stabilized red blood cells facilitate mono-dispersion of the white blood cell analogs in the suspension medium by gently mixing. The control compositions further include platelet analogs, or additionally include reticulocyte and/or nucleated red blood cell analogs. The linearity control system allows the verification of the reportable measurement range and linearity of the measurements of hematology analyzers for white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets in extended concentration ranges.

Abstract: A method of single parameter and multiparameter characterizing of cells, particularly immunophenotyping of cells, is provided. The method preferably uses antibody-coated microspheres which are adapted to bind to specific types of cells. One or more sets of coated microspheres are contacted simultaneously or sequentially with a suspension of cells and bind the cells they are adapted to bind to form bead-cell complexes. Cells may bind to one or more microspheres. The bead-cell complexes are then separated from the suspension The complexes are preferably stained and then examined to characterize the cells, preferably the cells bound to the microspheres. A method of quantitating a specific cell type is provided. A kit and apparatus for performing the method are also provided.

Abstract: A method of producing low hemoglobin concentration cell percentage (LHCC %) and the method of use for detection of iron deficiency have been disclosed. LHCC % is a sigmoid function of mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), which correlates linearly with hypochromic red cell percentage.

Abstract: New diagnostic indexes and the method of use for detection of iron deficiency have been disclosed. These include a logistic function of mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell volume (MCV), and a logistic function of mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and MCH.

Abstract: A single measurement can quantify phosphatidyl-inositol glycan complementation class A (PIG-A) associated proteins in red cells, platelets and the major leukocyte subsets present in blood (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils). The single measurement relies on flow cytometry to simultaneously evaluate intensity of fluorochrome emissions and light scattering properties.

Abstract: A reference control composition containing a nucleated red blood cell component and the method of making are disclosed. The reference control composition includes a nucleated red blood cell component made of fixed non-nucleated blood cells and a suspension medium. The non-nucleated blood cell has a natural cell size substantially similar to a size of nucleus of said nucleated red blood cell of said blood sample. The nucleated red blood cell component can be made of equine, ovine, bovine, feline, canine, or porcine red blood cells; and it is substantially free of nucleic acid. The reference control composition can further include a white blood cell component, a red blood cell component, a platelet component, a reticulocyte component, or combinations thereof. Further disclosed are the methods of using the reference control composition for measurement of nucleated red blood cells on a blood analyzer.

Abstract: A method of single parameter and multiparameter characterizing of cells, particularly immunophenotyping of cells, is provided. The method preferably uses antibody coated microspheres which are adapted to bind to specific types of cells. One or more sets of coated microspheres are added simultaneously or sequentially to a suspension of cells and bind the cells they are adapted to bind. Cells may bind to one or more microspheres. The suspension is then filtered to trap bead-cell complexes. The complexes are preferably stained and then examined to characterize the cells, preferably the cells bound to the microspheres. A kit and apparatus for performing the method are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a flow cytometric method for measuring dendritic cell function in whole blood, comprising: (a) contacting a whole blood sample with a dendritic cell activator; (b) adding to the sample a plurality of dendritic cell-distinguishing antibodies and at least one cytokine-specific antibody; and then (c) flow cytometrically assaying the sample for the binding of the cytokine-specific antibody by at least one distinguishable DC subset. Other assays are presented in which DC activation markers are assessed.

Abstract: A method for discriminating and quantifying platelets within an analyzed blood sample involves initially diluting the blood sample with a ghosting reagent that causes a change in the index of refraction of the red blood cells. Owing to the change in the index of refraction, light scattered from the ghosted red blood cells will be substantially reduced relative to light scattered from platelets. This results in locations of platelets within a scatterplot of the analyzed blood sample to fall within a region distinguishable from those containing normal red blood cells, fragmented red blood cells, and microcytic red blood cells.

Abstract: In a method for measuring an analyte, which comprises a reaction step of forming a reaction system including a sample containing whole blood, a first substance carried by a solid carrier and specifically binding to an analyte contained in the sample and a second substance specifically binding to the analyte and allowing the analyte to react with the first and second substances and a measurement step of measuring the formed reaction product, (1) the reaction step is performed in a state that blood cells are not disrupted, and (2) at least the reaction step is performed in the presence of a sufficient amount of a detergent that does not cause hemolysis, does not inhibit reactions of the analyte with the first and second substances specifically binding to the analyte and can prevent influence on the reaction system of a component existing in the reaction system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved procedure for the multiparameter analysis of leukocyte subpopulations from peripheral blood, bone marrow or any body fluid containing blood nucleated cells, including the quantification of each subpopulation in terms of cells per microliter. The method uses a cocktail of at least four monoclonal antibodies labelled each with a different fluorescent tag, the measurement of at least two light scatter and four fluorescence emissions related parameters and at least one population of fluorescent beads to differentiate and enumerate between and among the different leukocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood, the bone marrow or other body fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reagent for classifying leukocytes comprising (a) at least one surfactant capable of lysing erythrocytes and partly damaging the cell membrane of leukocytes, (b) at least one organic compound bearing an anionic group capable of binding to the cationic component present in the leukocytes to provide morphological differences between the leukocytes, (c) a buffer for adjusting pH to 2-8. Also disclosed is a method for classifying leukocytes into four groups.

Abstract: A method of making a reference control containing a nucleated red blood cell component includes providing a blood cell containing a nucleus; treating the blood cell with a treatment solution to alter a nucleus property from a natural value to a target value suitable for simulating nucleated red blood cells on a blood analyzer; and suspending treated blood cell in a suspension medium to form a reference control. The method also includes integrating the nucleated red blood cell component with white blood cell, red blood cell, platelet and reticulocyte components. Further disclosed is a cell treatment composition for altering a nucleus property, which includes a conditioning component, a lytic component for permeating cell membrane, and a fixing component for preserving the cell nucleus. Also disclosed is a method of using the reference control for measurement of nucleated red blood cells on a blood analyzer.

Abstract: A sample analyzer including a detection unit for irradiating a biological sample with light and obtaining optical information; a cell classification processor for classifying cells contained in the biological sample into cell groups based on the optical information; a scattered light information obtaining processor for obtaining scattered light information relating to a cell included in a predetermined cell group; a calculation processor for calculating a component value corresponding to an amount of component contained in cell included in the predetermined cell group based on the scattered light information; and an output device for outputting the component value calculated by the calculation means is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: Immunological assays for several biological markers for thyroid disorders in a biological sample are performed in a single test with a combination of sandwich-type, sequential competitive, and serological assays by the use of particles classified into groups that are distinguishable by flow cytometry, one group for the assay of each marker. Each group of particles is coated with a different immunological binding member, and coating densities, co-coating materials, and special buffer solutions are used to adjust for differences in the sensitivities and dynamic ranges of each of the markers in the typical sample.

Abstract: A method of detecting parasite infection, particularly malaria, includes mixing a blood sample with a lytic reagent system to lyse red blood cells, and to form a sample mixture; performing a differential analysis of white blood cells of the sample mixture on a blood analyzer, and obtaining a cell volume distribution of a white blood cell subpopulation from a cell volume measurement used in the differential analysis; obtaining a cell volume parameter from the cell volume distribution of the white blood cell subpopulation; evaluating the cell volume parameter against a predetermined criterion, and reporting an indication of the parasite infection if the cell volume parameter meets the predetermined criterion. The method also uses a discriminant obtained from cell volume parameters of two different white blood cell subpopulations against a predetermined criterion. The method further use a cell distribution parameter of a cell distribution obtained using a RF impedance measurement.

Abstract: A method, a device, and a test kit for performing this method for determining the volume of a sample of the liquid. In the method, a specific concentration of a chromophoric indicator is provided in this liquid, a sample is separated from the liquid, the optical absorption of the separated sample is measured, and the volume of the separated sample is determined by correlation of the measured optical absorption with the concentration of indicator in this liquid. Ions that generate a color in the sample by complexing with a specific ligand are used as the indicator to stain the liquid.

Abstract: A cyanide-free lytic reagent composition and method of use for measuring the total hemoglobin concentration and white blood cells in a blood sample are disclosed. The lytic reagent composition includes a quaternary ammonium surfactant to lyse red blood cells and release hemoglobin and a ligand to form a stable chromogen with the hemoglobin. The lytic reagent composition has a pH in a range of 3 to 10. The lytic reagent composition can also include a second quaternary ammonium surfactant. The ligand can be malic acid, malonic acid, ethylene diamine, N,N-diethylethylene diamine, N,N?-diethylethylene diamine, diethylene triamine, tetraethylene pentamine, 1,6-hexanediamine, 1,3-pentanediamine, 2-methylpentamethylenediamine, 1,2-diaminocyclohexane, 4-aminoacetophenone, bis-hexamethylenetriamine, pyridazine, or 3,6-dihyroxypyridazine.

Abstract: A variable rate particle counter for adjusting the volumetric delivery rate of fluid to a flow cell based upon an initial particle count rate in order to effectively “tune” the final dilution of sample sheath flow to the particle concentration of the sample. A sheath fluid syringe pump and a test sample syringe pump are driven by motors which are adjusted by a data analyzer. The data analyzer compares a particle count rate measured by a detection assembly to a predetermined reference value and determines if the count rate is too high or to low. Accordingly, one of several pump profiles is initiated to adjust the flow rate of the sheath fluid or test sample or both. Advantageously, the low cell count precision is improved and the upper limit cell count is expanded.

Abstract: Methods are provided for measurement of nucleated red blood cells in a blood sample. The methods include exposing a blood cell sample to a reagent system to lyse mature red blood cells, subsequently analyzing nucleated red blood cells in a flow cell by axial light loss, DC impedance, and medium angle light scatter measurements; by axial light loss, low angle light scatter, and medium angle light scatter measurements; or by axial light loss, DC impedance, low angle light scatter, and medium angle light scatter measurements; and then differentiating nucleated red blood cells from other cell types by using measured signals and/or functions thereof.

Abstract: Methods of using a reference control composition containing a nucleated red blood cell component for measurement of nucleated red blood cells are disclosed. The nucleated red blood cell component is made of stabilized or processed nucleated blood cells which have impedance and optical properties simulating the impedance and optical properties of human nucleated red blood cells under a blood lysing condition as measured by a specific measurement. The methods include mixing the reference control composition with a lytic reagent, and analyzing the control sample mixture on a flow cytometric instrument by impedance, impedance and optical measurement, or DC impedance and a multi-dimensional measurement of light scatter, radio frequency and a second DC impedance; and reporting the simulated nucleated red blood cells in the reference control composition.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a hematology control made from particles a particle having a biopolymer attached to a surface of the particle. The particle simulates a component of a blood sample, such as a reticulocyte or nucleated red blood cell component of a blood cell sample in a flow cytometer or hematology analysis instrument. The present invention is further drawn to methods of making and using the hematology control.

Abstract: Improved flow cytometer system particularly adapted to use for sex-selected sperm sorting include enhanced sheath fluid and other strategies which minimize stress on the sperm cells, including 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 applications of sperms samples as well as the resulting animals may be achieved.

Abstract: Reference control compositions and the method of use are disclosed for measurement of nucleated red blood cells, which includes one set of synthetic spherical particles having a mean particle diameter ranging from 6.2 ?m to 6.8 ?m and a refractive index from 1.58 to 1.62 monodispersed in an aqueous suspension medium. The synthetic spherical particles have optical properties simulating optical properties of nucleated red blood cells as measured by optical measurements. The reference control composition can further include a second set of the synthetic spherical particles having optical properties simulating optical properties of white blood cells. Further disclosed is a reference control system which includes a series of reference control compositions, each having an amount of one type of synthetic spherical particles which have optical properties simulating the optical properties of nucleated red blood cells having a specific cell maturity.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for cell separation. These reagents and techniques specifically agglutinate cells via surface antigen recognition and can be used to recover even rare cell types in high yield.

Abstract: A method of making a reference control containing a nucleated red blood cell component includes providing a blood cell containing a nucleus; treating the blood cell with a treatment solution to alter a nucleus property from a natural value to a target value suitable for simulating nucleated red blood cells on a blood analyzer; and suspending treated blood cell in a suspension medium to form a reference control. The method also includes integrating the nucleated red blood cell component with white blood cell, red blood cell, platelet and reticulocyte components. Further disclosed is a cell treatment composition for altering a nucleus property, which includes a conditioning component, a lytic component for permeating cell membrane, and a fixing component for preserving the cell nucleus. Also disclosed is a method of using the reference control for measurement of nucleated red blood cells on a blood analyzer.

Abstract: A hematology reference control containing an immature granulocyte component and the method of making are disclosed. The reference control includes an immature granulocyte component made of processed blood cells for simulating human immature granulocytes, and a suspension medium suitable for delivering the component to a blood analyzer for measurement of immature granulocytes. The immature granulocyte component can be made of processed avian, reptile or fish red blood cells, or human immature granulocytes produced in vitro. The reference control further includes a white blood cell component which includes white blood cell sub-components for simulating white blood subpopulations. Further disclosed is the method of using the reference control for measurement of immature granulocytes on a blood analyzer.

Abstract: An electrolyte solution for a particle measuring apparatus which comprises an inorganic salt, such as sodium chloride or calcium chloride, dissolved in an organic solvent. A substance that promotes dissolution of inorganic salts is added to provide the organic solvent with sufficient electric conductivity for electrical particle measurement. Such substances include either or both: Compound (a): a zwitterionic compound or compounds, and Compound (b): a compound or compounds including a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl or an amino group in the same molecule.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reagent for determination of leucocytes and measurement of haemoglobin in a sample of blood. This reagent comprises a buffer system that is suited to adjust selectively the pH of the reagent to an acidic value, at least one detergent of cationic type, a nitrogenous compound and, optionally, at least one inorganic salt. This reagent can be used in haematological analyses in human medicine and also permits the identification of a leucocytic subpopulation, in particular the basophil polymorphonuclear leucocytes.

Abstract: Methods are provided for measurement of nucleated red blood cells. The methods include exposing a blood cell sample to a reagent system to lyse mature red blood cells, subsequently analyzing nucleated red blood cells in a flow cell by axial light loss, low angle light scatter and DC impedance measurements, or two selected measurements thereof; and then differentiating nucleated red blood cells from other cell types by using measured signals and/or functions thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing the type of a blood sample and a variety of blood components are provided wherein a transmission spectrum of the sample is collected over a predetermined wavelength range. For blood typing, this spectrum is then compared with a set of control spectra collected from control blood samples having known blood types, from which the type of the blood sample can be determined. Further methods and apparatus are provided for determining the viability of and for cross matching a platelet unit. Additional method and apparatus permit analysis of the sample for the presence of a contaminant. Particles can also be counted in the sample, even when present in low concentrations, including white blood cell.

Abstract: A particle analyzer includes a detecting section for detecting respective characteristic parameters of a plurality of particles, a distribution map preparing section for preparing at least two kinds of two-dimensional frequency distribution maps of the particles by using the detected characteristic parameters, a classifying section for classifying the particles into particle clusters on the two kinds of distribution maps, a calculating section for calculating and comparing the respective numbers of particles in the particle clusters containing particles of common kind to the two kinds of distribution maps, and a judging section for judging a classification error on the distribution maps based on a comparison result.

Abstract: Reference control compositions and the method of use are disclosed for measurement of nucleated red blood cells, which includes one set of synthetic spherical particles having a mean particle diameter ranging from 6.2 ?m to 6.8 ?m and a refractive index from 1.58 to 1.62 monodispersed in an aqueous suspension medium. The synthetic spherical particles have optical properties simulating optical properties of nucleated red blood cells as measured by optical measurements. The reference control composition can further include a second set of the synthetic spherical particles having optical properties simulating optical properties of white blood cells. Further disclosed is a reference control system which includes a series of reference control compositions, each having an amount of one type of synthetic spherical particles which have optical properties simulating the optical properties of nucleated red blood cells having a specific cell maturity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining expression levels of one or a multiplicity of target proteins in a tissue or cell sample.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods and apparatus are provided which utilize flow cytometry, coated latex microspheres, and fluorochrome labeled antibodies, to simultaneously detect the presence and amount of one or more analytes in a sample. Beads of several different sizes, colors or shapes, each bead are coated with a different analyte, for the simultaneous detection of one or more analytes and of cell components. The invention is also directed to platelet Ig positive control reagents and assays which provide for the setting of the fluorescence positive region for each patient. The platelet control is sized to fit between the platelets and red cells and thus making it ideal as a true biological control.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods and apparatus are provided which utilize flow cytometry, coated latex microspheres, and fluorochrome labeled antibodies, to simultaneously detect the presence and amount of one or more analytes in a sample. By combining FALS and fluorescence, it is practical to use beads of several different sizes, colors or shapes, each bead coated with a different analyte, for the simultaneous detection of one or more analytes and of cell components such as platelets in a sample.

Abstract: A method for measuring immature granulocytes in a blood sample is described. The method includes the steps of lysing red blood cells of a blood sample with a lytic reagent, analyzing the sample mixture by DC impedance measurement, determining immature granulocytes from obtained DC histogram, and reporting immature granulocytes in the blood sample. The method further includes measuring nucleated red blood cells in the blood sample.

Abstract: A method for classifying and counting leukocytes comprises the steps of: (1) adding to a hematological sample the following fluorescence-labeled antibodies labeled with fluorescent dyes which emit fluorescences distinguishable from each other; (a) a first fluorescence-labeled antibody (1st antibody) which bonds specifically to leukocytes, (b) a second fluorescence-labeled antibody (2nd antibody) which bonds to at least one kind of neutrophilic cells, and (c) a third fluorescence-labeled antibody (3rd antibody) which bonds to at least one kind of immature granulocytic cells, in order to stain leukocytic cells in the sample, and removing erythrocytes from the sample; (2) analyzing the resulting sample using a flow cytometer to measure at least one scattered light signal and three separate fluorescence signals; (3) defining a group of granulocytic cells on the basis of intensity of the scattered light and intensity of fluorescence from the 1st antibody; (4) defining neutrophilic cells in the defined group of gra

Abstract: A lytic reagent composition and the method of use for differential analysis of leukocytes using flow cytometry are disclosed. The lytic reagent composition includes a short chain alkyl oxyethanol, such as 2-methoxyethanol, 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-propoxyethanol, or 2-isopropoxyethanol, in a sufficient amount to preserve leukocytes; a non-lysing nonionic surfactant as a debris solublizer; and an inorganic buffer to maintain pH of the lytic reagent composition in a range from 9.1 to 10.7. The lytic reagent composition is used to lyse red blood cells and preserve leukocytes, as well as used as the sheath reagent for the focus flow measurement. The lytic reagent composition, when used on a flow cytometric analyzer with multiple angle light scatter and light absorbance measurements, enables differentiation of leukocytes into five subpopulations.

Abstract: Blood cells of interest are readily distinguishable from other blood cells and look-a-like particles found in a blood sample by their back-scatter signature. A preferred method for differentiating platelets in a blood sample is to irradiate the cells and particles, one at a time, with a beam of radiation, and to detect back-scattered (reflected) radiation using a plurality of optical fibers to transmit the back-scattered radiation to a high-gain photodetector, e.g. a photomultiplier tube. Preferably, the back-scatter signal so obtained is combined with a second signal representing, for example, either the level of forward-scatter within a prescribed, relatively narrow angular range, or the level of side-scattered radiation, or the level of attenuation of the cell-irradiating beam caused by the presence of the irradiated cell or particle in the beam, or the electrical impedance of the irradiated cell or particle, to differentiate the cells of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring proteins and cells. The apparatus includes a plate having wells in which cells are disposed. The apparatus includes means for analyzing the effect or proteins and other biological and chemical moieties on the cells. A method for monitoring of proteins and cells. A method for analyzing a cells. An apparatus for aligning light in a well of a plate for holding cells. A method for lighting a well. A method for determining a condition of a cell. An apparatus for indicating a condition of a cell. A method for establishing a focus profile of a plate having wells for holding cells. A method for manipulating cells. An apparatus for manipulating cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reference solution for use in instruments that determine hematocrit levels in biological samples by measuring the resistance and/or conductivity of the biological samples. A reference solution according to the invention achieves conductivities representative of known hematocrit levels in blood, while maintaining tolerable levels of interference with the measurement of other analytes in the reference solution.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing an activated clotting time test on a sample of blood containing platelets, the apparatus comprising a plurality of test cells, said cells being adapted for receiving an aliquot portion of said sample, wherein each of said cells comprises an anticoagulant and a platelet inactivating agent, and wherein at least one of said cells further comprises a clotting activator, wherein a clotting time is determined for each of said aliquot portions, and wherein a relative clotting time for each of said aliquot portions comprising the clotting activator is determined as compared to a reference clotting time for said at least one cell containing no clotting activator, wherein said relative clotting times in said cells are determinative of the clotting activation of said clotting activator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing cells for use in a hematology blood control. The preparation steps, namely the use of cross-linking agents such as aldehydes, involve a step-wise process starting with very low concentrations of a cross-linking agent. Successive fixations involve an increase in the concentration of cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A control composition, and method of preparing a control composition, that includes stabilized, mammalian granulocytes having altered physical properties so that the granulocytes function as a human lymphocyte analogs when used on an automated blood cell analyzer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is provide a means capable of enlarging the measurable concentration range of a specific component in a solution to be detected, and further measuring a precise solution concentration with ease even when there occur inhibitors such as contamination of a sample cell, turbidity of the solution to be detected, and suspending particles. For achieving this object, the transmitted light intensities and/or the scattered light intensities of the solution to be detected before and after mixing a reagent for changing the optical characteristics of the solution to be detected attributed to the specific component are measured to obtain the concentration of the specific component in the solution to be detected from these measured values.

Abstract: A sheath liquid for use with a particle analyzer has a refractive index of 1.3340 or more at the wavelength of sodium D line at 25° C.

Abstract: Blood cells of interest are readily distinguishable from other blood cells and look-a-like particles found in a blood sample by their back-scatter signature. A preferred method for differentiating platelets in a blood sample is to irradiate the cells and particles, one at a time, with a beam of radiation, and to detect back-scattered (reflected) radiation using a plurality of optical fibers to transmit the back-scattered radiation to a high-gain photodetector, e.g. a photomultiplier tube. Preferably, the back-scatter signal so obtained is combined with a second signal representing, for example, either the level of forward-scatter within a prescribed, relatively narrow angular range, or the level of side-scattered radiation, or the level of attenuation of the cell-irradiating beam caused by the presence of the irradiated cell or particle in the beam, or the electrical impedance of the irradiated cell or particle, to differentiate the cells of interest.

Abstract: Cyanide-free reagents for the determination of hemoglobin and leukocytes present in a blood sample comprise an aqueous solutions of at least one quaternary ammonium salt, preferably selected from the group of alkyltrimethylammonium salts, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium salts or alkylpyridium salts consisting of tetradecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (TTAB), dodecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide and benzalkonium chlorides, and hydroxylamine salts, especially hydrochloride, sulfate and phosphates and other acid salts. The method involves mixing the reagent with a diluent-diluted blood sample, presenting it to an absorbance spectrophotometer and measuring the resulting optical density as an indicator of hemoglobin concentration. This cyanide-free reagent could be used solely for hemoglobin determinations, or, it can also be used in leukocyte counting and sizing using hematology instrumentation.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and screens for an optical system analysis of cells to rapidly determine the distribution, environment, or activity of fluorescently labeled reporter molecules in cells for the purpose of screening large numbers of compounds for those that specifically affect particular biological functions. The invention involves providing cells containing fluorescent reporter molecules in an array of locations and scanning numerous cells in each location with a high magnification fluorescence optical system, converting the optical information into digital data, and utilizing the digital data to determine the distribution, environment or activity of the fluorescently labeled reporter molecules in the cells. The array of locations may be an industry standard 96 well or 384 well microtiter plate or a microplate which is microplate having cells in a micropaterned array of locations.