User’s Guide108
Distorted scatter
parameters
Excessive amount
of debris in display
Possible causes Recommended solutions
Cytometer settings are
improperly adjusted
Optimize the scatter parameters. See
the BD FACSDiva Software Reference
Manual for instructions.
Air bubble in the sheath filter
or flow cell
Purge the air from the filter. See
Removing air bubbles (page 37).
Flow cell is dirty Flush the system. See Flushing the
system (page 52).
Air leak at sheath container Ensure that the sheath container lid is
tight and all connectors are secure.
Hypertonic buffers or
fixative
Replace the buffers or fixative.
Possible causes Recommended solutions
Threshold level is too low Increase the threshold level.
Sheath filter is dirty Replace the filter. See Changing the
sheath filter (page 56).
Flow cell is dirty Flush the system. See Flushing the
system (page 52).
Dead cells or debris in the
sample
Examine the sample under a
microscope.
Sample is contaminated Re-stain the sample. Ensure that the
tube is clean.
Stock sheath fluid is
contaminated
Rinse the sheath container with DI
water, then fill the container with
sheath fluid from another (or new lot)
bulk container.