Pressure-driven particle focusing in lab-on-a-chip flow cytometers: The choice between sheath-assisted and inertial focusing

We describe two different particle focusing approaches in microfluidic channels: sheath-assisted and inertial forces-assisted, for lab-on-a-chip flow cytometry applications. The conditions and ranges of all parameters that define these focusing techniques are discussed. Simulation and experimental results for particle focusing using both techniques are presented.