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 technique for quantifying magnetically induced velocity of immunomagnetically labeled cells (or particles), in which the computer algorithm, particle tracking velocimetry (PTV), has been modified and combined with a well-defined magnetic energy gradient. In addition, this technique can calculate the size of a cell (or particle) through the use of experimentally measured settling velocities. A model was developed which determines the minimum and maximum cell velocities that can be determined based on a number of intrinsic constants and variables associated with this technique. This model was experimentally 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 for CTV.