This paper describes the results of investigations comparing the relative in vitro responses of different signal processing algorithms for laser Doppler flowmetry(LDF) using self-mixing effect of laser diode(LD). A versatile laser Doppler system is described which enabled complex signal processing to be implemented relatively simply using digital analysis. The flexibility of the system allowed a variety of processing algorithms to be studied by simply characterising the algorithm of interest under software control using a personal computer. Two in-vitro physical models are also presented which was used to maintain reproducible fluid flows Flows of particles were studied in two physical models using a 780nm laser diode source. The results show that frequency weighted algorithms(first and second moments, rate to zero moment) are responsive to particle velocity more than concentration, whereas non-weighted algorithm (zero moment responds to concentration and velocity.