Simultaneous separate detection of low angle and large angle light scattering in an arc lamp-based flow cytometer.

A device is described for simultaneous separate detection of the light scattering of cells at low and large scattering angles in an arc lamp-based flow cytometer with epi-illumination through an oil immersion microscope objective. Light scattering was measured in a dark field configuration that allows separate detection of light scattering greater than 2 degrees and 15 degrees, respectively. Dual parameter light scattering histograms of a blood cell suspension containing various types of leukocytes were closely similar to that obtained with a commercial laser-based instrument with light scattering detection at forward and right angles. The sensitivity of the device was sufficient to measure polystyrene particles with 0.25-micron diameter. A potential application may be differentiation of bacteria.