Devices and methods for particle solution preparation

A method for preparing an aliquot of solution comprising a plurality of particles, the method comprising:

• agitating the solution with a baffle at a predetermined mixing speed sufficient to suspend the plurality of particles in the solution, wherein the baffle is positioned at least partially within a vessel containing the solution, and wherein the vessel is engaged with a vessel receptacle configured to hold the vessel;
• withdrawing, during the agitating, the aliquot of solution from the vessel with a pipette, such that an end of a pipette tip is positioned within the vessel;
• transferring the aliquot of solution from the pipette onto a surface;
• generating a composite image of the transferred aliquot of solution, wherein the composite image comprises a plurality of images of the transferred aliquot of solution;
• and
• based on the generated composite image, determining a parameter of the transferred aliquot of solution.