Fluorescent Microsphere Counting for Flow Measurements

We will develop low cost and accurate methods for regional flow measurements in tissues. This reseaon the working hypothesis that fluorescent microspheres in tissue digests can be accurately and rapifluorescence flow system. The project will develop instrumentation and evaluate procedures to countdigests. During Phase I a continuous flow fluorescent microsphere counting system will be assembledaccurate counting of microspheres determined. Time profiles of microsphere passage will be evaluatedwith the fluorescence spectrophotometry method. Phase I studies will demonstrate the feasibility ofand provide design parameters for automated systems to be constructed during Phase H for testing inenvironments to evaluate its utility and ease of use. This project will provide researchers with a vthe cost and labor involved in regional flow measurements and improve the attraction of using fluorereplace the older radioactive microsphere methods.