Systems and methods are provided for analyzing particulates. A liquid having a plurality of particulates substantially linearly ordered in a streamline can be externally controlled to provide flow in first and second directions, where, generally, the first direction is opposite to the second direction. A target particulate can be measured from the plurality of particulates at or near a measurement area while the liquid flows in the first flow direction. The flow direction can be reversed and measured at the measurement area while flowing in the second direction. The particulates substantially retain the same linear order during at least one cycle, a cycle being defined by movement in the first direction followed by movement in the second direction.