Analysis of bacteria with the CytoSense flow cytometer

03.11.2014  by  George Dubelaar

Despite its "phytoplankton" targeted design (or should I say "owing to"),  the CytoSense does a good job with various types of particles such as bacteria, fungi and sperm cells, especially in 'dirty' samples with aggregates and filaments.  High sensitivity for small cells is a prerequisite for these applications.

 The technical innovation department of the Spanish company Labaqua in Alicante (Spain) tested a CytoSense earlier this year with various samples of bacteria among which Legionella pneumophila, in various concentrations.  L. pneumophila is a hazard in drinking water supply installations.  With their relatively small cell size they are a relevant test organism for flow cytometric performance. 

 The researchers of Labaqua were positively surprised by the performance of the CytoSense, both the sensitivity proved OK and also counting accuracy over a wide range of concentrations was convincing.