Theoretical and experimental analysis of the accuracy and reproducibility of cell tracking velocimetry

A theoretical and experimental analysis has been conducted to determine the accuracy of cell tracking velocimetry (CTV). CTV is an analytical techniqu e for quantifying magnetically induced velocity of immunomagnetically label ed cells (or particles), in which the computer algorithm, particle tracking velocimetry (PTV), has been modified and combined with a well-defined magn etic energy gradient. In addition, this technique can calculate the size of a cell (or particle) through the use of experimentally measured settling v elocities. A model was developed which determines the minimum and maximum c ell velocities that can be determined based on a number of intrinsic consta nts and variables associated with this technique. This model was experiment ally tested using a number of calibration particles and very good agreement between model and experimental data was obtained. The combination of model and experimental validation establishes the proper operating parameters fo r CTV.