Particle analyzing systems and methods using acoustic radiation pressure

A particle processing system, the system configured to have communicated therein a fluid sample that comprises a plurality of particles, and the system comprising:

• an acoustic focusing system configured to effect acoustic focusing of at least some of the plurality of particles in the fluid sample,
• the acoustic focusing system comprising at least one acoustic signal producing transducer;
• and
• a fluidics train configured to deliver a sheath fluid so as to effect hydrodynamic focusing of at least some of the plurality of particles in the fluid sample,
• the acoustic focusing system and the fluidics train being configured to operate simultaneously during operation of the particle processing system, and
• the system being configured so as to define a direction of flow for the fluid sample.