作为病毒、细菌和原生动物的替代物， 荧光微球可以用来挑战 病原体去除技术及其应用 去除感兴趣污染物的功效。此外 微球有助于量化流动模式 以及混合特性。然而，最 普通微球计数法 荧光显微镜计数，需要熟练操作 操作员和昂贵的设备。在研究中 这里讨论的是一个使用激光扫描的原型设备 流式细胞术，这是由相对 价格低廉的组件至少与 显微镜的范围为~5-200µS/mm²。 在供水商面临的诸多挑战中 如今，监管越来越严格 故意污染水源的威胁 与病原体有关。一种设备，比如原型 这里描述的将为公用事业管理人员提供一种 更准确地测试他们的供水技术 和精确性。它代表了一个面向 更先进（但成本仍然较低）的技术 可以检测病原体并帮助降低风险。包括7个参考文献、图表。

As surrogates for viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, fluorescent microspheres can be used to challenge pathogen-removal technologies and determine their efficacy in removing contaminants of interest. In addition, microspheres are helpful in quantifying flow patterns and mixing characteristics. However, the most common microsphere enumeration method, direct count by fluorescence microscopy, requires skilled operators and expensive equipment. In the research discussed here, a prototype device that used laser scanning cytometry and that was constructed of relatively inexpensive components performed at least as well as the microscope for the range of ~5-200 µS/mm². Among the many challenges facing water providers today are increasingly stringent regulations and the threat of intentional contamination of water sources with pathogens. A device such as the prototype described here would offer utility managers a way to test their water supply technologies with more accuracy and precision. It represents a building block toward more advanced (but still low-cost) technologies that can detect pathogens and help reduce risks. Includes 7 references, figures.