Flow cytometry using spectrally encoded confocal microscopy

Flow cytometry techniques often rely on detecting fluorescence from single cells flowing through the cross section of a laser beam, providing invaluable information on vast numbers of cells. Such techniques, however, are often limited in their ability to resolve clusters of cells or parallel cell flow through large vessels. We present a confocal imaging technique that images unstained cells flowing in parallel through a wide channel, using spectrally encoded reflectance confocal microscopy that does not require mechanical scanning. Images of red blood cells from our system are compared to conventional transmission microscopy, and imaging of flowing red blood cells in vitro is experimentally demonstrated.