Differential of light‐scattering detection in an arc‐lamp‐based epi‐illumination flow cytometer

Abstract

Light‐scattering histograms of blood cell suspensions were recorded for various ranges of scattering angles by means of an arc‐lamp‐based flow cytometer (AL‐FCM). The results were compared with those obtained with a conventional, laser‐based flow cytometer (L‐FCM) with forward scattering (2–20°) and scattering at right angles. Measuring with the AL‐FCM in the angle range upward from 13°, the relative light‐scattering intensities of lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes were essentially independent of scattering angle and closely similar to the values measured as right‐angle scattering in the L‐FCM. With a range of scattering angles upward from 2° the AL‐FCM yielded histograms similar although not identical to that of the forward‐scattering detector in the L‐FCM. Differentiation between live and dead cells in this mode of operation was similar in the two instruments.