Poisson Calculator

The Poisson distribution calculates the probability of having more than one particle in a drop. This is a coincident event and the electronics can broadly detect this. If our target is a low percentage, then there is a bias toward contaminant cells in drops with more than one particle.

A Binomial distribution is calculated based on the % Target field, this is a sort or no sort condition.

The Binomial calculates the probability of a doublet, triplet etc., containing a contaminant using a sort mode of Target(s) only single drop.

Combining both probabilities gives the theoretical number of targets that can be recovered from the sample.

The Rmax field is filled automatically if the Rmax calculator is used. The particle recovery is calculated using this value. Note, the Rmax is given from the experimental Rmax if available, if not then the Rmax of the beads is used.

Data Collection

Record the droplet frequency and the event rate.

Record the total concentration of particles and the volume you expect to run through the instrument. Record the Target% of the sample.

The Rmax field can be left blank but will not be calculated.

Results

The Poisson field tells us about the theoretical number of cells we would get back if the beads or experimental sample have Poisson behaviour. The Rmax field reports the number of targets we should expect.

The Difference reports the difference between the Poisson and the Rmax calculations and is a measure of how mono-dispersed the sample is, in effect how well the sample preparation is. The sort time is also displayed in minutes.