Flow cytometry requires that a cell sample be focused into a single-file stream of cells that passes through a laser beam. This is usually achieved by hydrodynamic focusing, whereby the cell sample is drawn out into a fine stream by injecting it into a larger stream of fluid--the sheath fluid. The Guava PC eliminates the need for sheath fluid by injecting the cell sample into a patented fluidic and optical system that similarly analyzes the cells. With no sheath fluid, the amount of waste fluid generated is minimal and there is no need for large sheath and waste fluid tanks. This results in a bench-top cytometer measuring only 36 x 30 x 30 cm. The Guava PC utilizes a high-precision syringe pump to inject the sample into the flow cell and thus can provide absolute cell counts without the need for the types of internal standards used in other flow ...
Cytometry Gets Personal
Does the likelihood of buying a flow cytometer for use in the lab rank right up there with the likelihood of winning the lottery? The high cost of flow cytometers and the dedicated personnel required to operate them usually limit their placement to core facilities. But what if someone were to design a cytometer that was easier to use, didn't need frequent internal adjustment and maintenance, was considerably smaller than a conventional flow cytometer, and carried a bargain price tag? Guava Techn
Written byAlison Paladichuk
| 2 min read
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