Patent ID: 8004661
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: C12M,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of selecting a first set of cells from a population of cells including the first set of cells and a second set of cells, the method comprising: labeling the population of cells so that the first set of cells can be distinguished from the second set of cells; providing a first flow path having a distal end, a proximal end, an interrogation area disposed between the proximal end and the distal end, and a flow axis; creating a sheath flow of a sheath fluid through the first flow path, the sheath flow moving toward the proximal end at a first flow rate; injecting into the sheath flow, at a point upstream from the proximal end, a specimen flow including the population of cells, the specimen flow having initially a second flow rate less than the first flow rate; providing an excitation energy source, the energy emitted from the excitation energy source acting on individual cells as they pass through the interrogation area and causing emission or transmission of secondary radiation from the cells; using an objective lens having an optical axis generally coaxially aligned with the flow axis to focus the secondary radiation from the individual cells as the cells pass through the interrogation area; detecting the focused secondary radiation from the individual cells; determining, from the detected secondary radiation, whether the individual cells are in the first set or the second set; and selecting cells determined to be in the first set.