Laser Flow Cytometry
The LaserCyte® Haematology Analyser uses reference laboratory technology to analyse blood samples. The analyser focuses a laser beam on each individual cell and quantifies the scatter of light on four separate detectors.
Simultaneously, the analyser measures the amount of time it takes a cell to travel through the laser beam. This cell travel time is referred to as the “time of flight” and it provides data on the diameter of the cell.
Example:
Think of a flashlight as an analogy for the laser. Passing a golf ball in front of the light is quicker than passing a basketball through the same light.
While the time of flight, or cellular diameter, is being measured, four other detectors are measuring the quantity of light bouncing off the ball.
The dimpled design of a golf ball will refract light differently than the seamed design of a basketball. Therefore, in this analogy, the golf ball would be classified as a different “cell” from the basketball.
The four detectors quantify the scatter of light from each cell to measure size, complexity, granularity and light absorption—the same qualities a pathologist would examine when looking at a blood film.
The LaserCyte analyser provides the data needed for a more complete diagnosis because it can:
- Analyse red blood cells
- Identify the reticulocytes and generate an absolute reticulocyte count
- Identify all five types of white blood cells
Advantages of laser flow cytometry
- Because a laser flow cytometry-based analyser evaluates multiple characteristics (nuclear and cytoplasmic material) of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, it produces more accurate and reliable counts than other systems.
- Clumped cells or platelets can be detected and ignored, which prevents interference with other cell counts.
- Large platelets (frequently encountered in cats) can be distinguished from erythrocytes due to difference in the scatter of light caused by the platelet granules.
- Laser flow cytometry-based analysers are able to rapidly count large numbers (>200,000) of erythrocytes, which are needed to produce accurate and repeatable reticulocyte counts.
Dot Plots
Dot plots are a visual representation of the complete blood count (CBC); each dot represents a single cell. Dot plots are a critical element of the CBC, providing a snapshot of cellular morphology. Only the LaserCyte Haematology Analyser and the ProCyte Dx® Haematology Analyser provide these valuable tools.
Red Blood Cell Classification 
| White Blood Cell Classification 
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View the LaserCyte Analyser: Case Study Book and Technical Guide (PDF) for detailed information on the LaserCyte analyser, including case studies, dot plots, and laser flow cytometry technology.
LaserCyte Analyser Specifications
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