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Fine focus on Particles of Interest in the Sample
Stop the pump (switch from “Forward” to “Off”, or “Pause” in Setup and Focus window when using the
syringe pump) and use the Fine Focus Adjustment knob (Figure 15, Page 30) to bring particles of
interest into focus (see Figure 19 for the location of the Micrometer Fine Focus Adjustment knob for the
open Benchtop and Portable models). Another method to find the center of the flow cell and focus on
that point is to locate the Fine Focus Adjustment knob position where one wall of the flow cell chamber
is in focus. Next adjust the fine focus until the other wall of the chamber is in focus. Estimate and
divide the difference between the two positions and center the plane of focus between the two walls at
this estimated position.
Alternatively, while observing the particles of interest in the sample fluid, the user can manipulate the
micrometer (Figure 15 or 19) to manually bring these particles into focus. This method requires a
minimum concentration of particles in the sample (to ensure particles are in the field of view) and the
assumption that the particles are in the center of the flow cell.
Now that the FlowCAM has been set up with the correct field of view illumination and particles of
interest are in focus, you are ready to adjust context settings in Visual Spreadsheet and collect data.
VisualSpreadsheet is described in detail in Section Four. When finished with data collection and image
analysis, follow the Shut Down procedure described in the next section.
Shutting Down and Maintenance
Clean Flow Cell and Tubing
Immediately after use, rinse the funnel and flow cell with deionized or distilled water. If necessary,
precede this rinse with an appropriate solvent or surfactant in order to remove particles. This rinse will
help keep the flow cells clear and free from contamination for day-to-day use. For longer storage
periods, flow cells may be filled with a weak bleach solution (2 - 5%). The tubing can be sealed off on
both ends to keep the solution from leaking out (or use a double ended tube connector to create a closed
loop).
Release Pump Tubing (Peristaltic Pumps Only)
If using a peristaltic pump, to extend the life of pump tubing, release one end from the parastaltic rollers
when the instrument is not in use. Once this section of tubing becomes worn and stretched, it can
simply be replaced and discarded. Tip: Contact Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc. for replacement
tubing.
Turn Off FlowCAM
· Turn off the laser (toggle off the “L” switch or use the laser safety key).
· Close VisualSpreadsheet. Then go to the Start menu and select “Shut down”. The computer is
shut down once the screen goes completely blank.
· Power off the monitor (the Portable FlowCAM will shut down the monitor automatically) and
the FlowCAM by switching off the “P” button (and the monitor power button if necessary).
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