A nozzle system for use in a flow cytometer for analyzing particles in a fluid stream and a method of orienting particles in a flow cytometer. The nozzle system may include a nozzle having a longitudinal axis, an interior surface defining a fluid flow path for orienting particles in the nozzle, and a downstream orifice through which a fluid stream exits. The nozzle system may also include a conduit positioned to introduce a core stream containing particles at a location offset from the longitudinal axis and a baffle downstream of the conduit to deflect the fluid stream. The method may include the steps of causing a sheath fluid to flow through the nozzle, introducing a core fluid stream into the sheath fluid at a location offset to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, and deflecting the core fluid stream with a baffle.