Cell electrophoresis for diagnostic purposes. II. Critical evaluation of conventional cytopherometry

Abstract

Determination of the electrophoretic mobility of test cells has been widely used in an attempt to detect so-called lymphokines in a laboratory test for cancer, but operational difficulties are inherent in conventional cytopherometers. This study therefore investigates the technical and operational aspects of cell electrophoresis, using the Zeiss cytopherometer, e.g. influence of electro-osmosis, focus uncertainty, movement due to convection and other sources of error. Implications and possible improvements in the test are discussed.