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Personal cytometers: Slow flow or no flow?
Author(s) -
Shapiro Howard M.,
Perlmutter Nancy G.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
cytometry part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.316
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1552-4930
pISSN - 1552-4922
DOI - 10.1002/cyto.a.20284
Subject(s) - computer science , software , personal computer , detector , microscope , optics , electronics , dynamic range , flow (mathematics) , computer hardware , computer vision , physics , electrical engineering , telecommunications , engineering , programming language , mechanics
Background: Although some manufacturers have optimistically described instruments with prices in the US$40,000 range as “personal cytometers”, analogy with the personal computer suggests that the target price for a true “personal” cytometer should be under $5,000. Since such an apparatus could find a wide range of applications in cytomics in both developing and developed countries, it seemed desirable to consider its technical and economic feasibility. Methods: Using resolution targets and a variety of fluorescent bead standards immobilized on filters and/or slides, we evaluated high‐intensity LEDs as fluorescence excitation sources, relatively inexpensive CCD cameras as detectors, and 35 mm camera lenses and plastic low‐power microscope optics for light collection in a simple, inexpensive low‐resolution imaging cytometer. Results: The components tested could be combined toproduce an instrument capable of detecting fewer than 10,000 molecules of cell‐associated fluorescent label, and thus applicable to a broad range of cytometric tasks. Conclusions: Given the requirements for light sources, detectors, optics, mechanics, electronics and data analysis hardware and software, and the components presently available, it should be easier to reach the desired $5,000 price point with an image cytometer than with a flow cytometer. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology