Becton Dickinson and Company Limited

Rickie S Kerndt

Michael R Loken

Diether J Recktenwald

Chia H Chen

A method for calibrating an instrument for using that instrument to obtain at least one light-related signal from particles under analysis comprises directing an incident beam of light at calibration particles having one or more known characteristics related to the particles expected to be analyzed. Both a light signal and a noise signal from the calibration particles are detected. A measurement is made of the ratio of the detected light signal to the detected noise signal, and that measurement is reported. The measured ratio is then compared to a predetermined ratio which represents a threshold for minimum instrument performance. This method further includes adjusting, if the predetermined ratio has not been attained, the operation of the instrument, while the calibration particles are within the incident beam of light, until the measured ratio reaches the predetermined ratio whereby the instrument is calibrated for subsequently obtaining the light signal from particles to be analyzed. A kit of reagents for use in calibrating an instrument for performing two-color analysis of particles and particle standars for calibrating fluorescence analysis instruments are also part of the instant invention.

Method and materials for calibrating flow cytometers and other analysis

A method for calibrating an instrument for using that instrument to obtain at least one light-related signal from particles under analysis comprises directing an incident beam of light at calibration particles having one or more known characteristics related to the particles expected to be analyzed. Both a light signal and a noise signal from the calibration particles are detected. A measurement is made of the ratio of the detected light signal to the detected noise signal, and that measurement is reported. The measured ratio is then compared to a predetermined ratio which represents a threshold for minimum instrument performance. This method further includes adjusting, if the predetermined ratio has not been attained, the operation of the instrument, while the calibration particles are within the incident beam of light, until the measured ratio reaches the predetermined ratio whereby the instrument is calibrated for subsequently obtaining the light signal from particles to be analyzed. A kit of reagents for use in calibrating an instrument for performing two-color analysis of particles and particle standards for calibrating fluorescence analysis instruments are also part of the instant invention.

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Cupertino, CA, United States of America

Rickie S Kerndt