A mains electricity (AC-powered) laboratory instrument intended to be used to count, examine and/or sort cells or microscopic particles in a clinical specimen (e.g., blood, urine). Detection of individual components is performed using an optical or electrical detection system based on physical or chemical characteristics, or by detecting immunological markers introduced to the sample during the preanalytical phase and bound via antigen-antibody reactions. The device operates with reduced technician involvement and automation of some, but not all, procedural steps.