Quantitative Light Scatter Detector Alignment in Flow Cytometry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cytometer light scatter detector alignment processes are time-intensive, inconsistent, and reliant on manual adjustment by field service engineers, leading to inaccuracies and difficulties in comparing data across different instruments.
Innovation Solution
A method for deriving a quantitative metric for light scatter detector alignment using control data and a Mie light scatter model, enabling automated adjustment of detector systems to optimize light collection and facilitate consistent data comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment adjustment by field service engineers is used, then the alignment process can be performed, but it is time-intensive and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cytometer performs self-alignment by automatically adjusting detector positions based on control bead measurements and feedback algorithms, eliminating the need for manual intervention by field service engineers while maintaining consistent alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses control beads with known scattering properties as reference standards, measuring their light scatter signals and using this feedback to automatically adjust detector alignment, ensuring both accuracy and consistency across different instruments
2Ease of manufacture
If manual alignment adjustment by field service engineers is used, then the alignment process can be performed, but it leads to difficulties in comparing data across different instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the reference parameter from subjective visual assessment to objective quantitative measurements using control beads with certified scattering properties, enabling standardized alignment parameters that ensure data comparability across different instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The control bead-based alignment method serves multiple instruments and applications universally, providing a common reference standard that enables data comparability across different flow cytometer systems regardless of manufacturer or model
3Measurement precision
If automated adjustment is implemented, then alignment consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Control beads serve as an intermediary reference standard between the light source and detectors, simplifying the automated alignment process by providing a stable, measurable reference that mediates the alignment calculations without requiring complex direct sensor-to-detector adjustments
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method provides a standardized and accurate alignment process, reducing variability across instruments and improving data comparability, while allowing for automated optimization of light scatter detector systems.
Implementation Method 1
particles in a fluid suspension, as they pass by an interrogation region, may be exposed to excitation light and the light scattering and fluorescence properties of the particles may be measured
Implementation Method 2
the light scattering and fluorescence properties of the particles may be measured
Implementation Method 3
determining a quantitative metric of the alignment for the light scatter detector system based on the control data
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods of determining an alignment adjustment for a light scatter detector system of a flow cytometer. Methods of interest include: generating control data by the flow cytometer; determining a quantitative metric of the alignment for the light scatter detector system based on the control data; and determining the alignment adjustment for the light scatter detector system based on the quantitative alignment metric. In some embodiments, the subject methods further include adjusting the light scatter detector system based at least in part on the alignment adjustment by performing, e.g., a hardware or software alignment adjustment. The subject methods may be implemented automatically via computer. Systems, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, and kits for carrying out the subject methods are also provided.