Abstract
Rate-zonal sedimentation of cells from the female genital tract has been employed as a means of separating many of the different cellular components from each other. Ultra-slow streak photography of forward scattered light from the sedimentation spectrum has been used as a monitor of the success of the individual sedimentation maneuver. The presence of convention currents vitiates the separation potential of the technique, and this is readily detected by the photographic monitor. In addition, these photographs clearly indicate the positions of bands of cellular entities of different sedimentation velocities. Further study of the quantitative aspects of the light scattered from each part of the spectrum reveals that it possesses a quantitative representation of the concentration of cells at each level of the spectrum. The photographs and densitometric scans support these expectations. To avoid the limitations of film as a data-logging medium and to obtain real-time system utilization, a direct photoelectric scanner has been assembled. Preliminary tests indicate ready feasibility.