An optical laser trap with fluorescence excitation/emission capability has been integrated in a flow cytometric geometry for the study of microparticle confinement and off-axis fluorescence detection in laminar flow streams. Measurements of particle escape velocity, trapping efficiency, and fluorescence intensity are presented for 2 μm diameter dye-tagged latex microspheres in laminar flow streams having velocities of up to 12 mm/s. Experimental results are compared with theoretical values for flow velocity and fluorescence intensity and found to be in excellent agreement. © 1995 American Institute of Physics.