Slit-scan flow system for automated cytopathology.

A low resolution slit-scan flow system is described. Cells flow in solution through a thin "wall" of fluorescence excitation illumination where they are sequentially illuminated. Computer analysis of the resulting slit-scan contours provide a measure of cell diameter, nuclear diameter, nuclear to cell diameter ratio in percent, nuclear fluorescence, cytoplasmic fluorescence, and certain low resolution morphological information. The system, its potential, and remaining problems are discussed.