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Identification and minimization of error sources an important issues in experimental investigations. Mainly in micro-scale problems, precise settings should be applied to high-tech test beds to reduce disturbance and induced motion. An experimental study is conducted to assess the role of induced forces and velocity fields in a particulate system used for particle identification and separation. Two main effects caused by disturbances are sampling errors and induced motion in the channel, either on fluid or dispersed phases. Different disturbance scenarios are implemented on the test bed and then the system response is reported. In order to assess induced motion as a result of applied forces, microscopic imaging of particle movement in the channel and image processing of the results, are performed. Results of particle sampling indicate that optimized pneumatic settings should be implemented to secure a safe level of sampling error. Results for induced flow show that the velocity field can affect the operation of the manipulation mechanism. Methods for capturing the induced force and velocity fields can be implemented in the arelevant applications, such as micro-particle systems and cellular studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]