A micro particle shadow velocimetry (mu PSV) system based on back-lit illumination and forward scatter observation of light from non-fluorescent particles has been developed. Relatively high luminous efficiencies and particle image contrasts were achieved by using the condenser stage of a standard transmitted light microscope and a continuous incoherent collimated light emitting diode (LED). This paper includes a critical review of the operating principles, benefits and practical problems associated with the predominant epifluorescent micro particle image velocimetry (mu PIV) technique, and the less common light scattering mu PIV methods of which mu PSV is a development. This mu PSV system was then successfully used to measure axial velocity profiles in a 280-mu m-diameter circular channel up to a Reynolds number of 50 which corresponds to peak velocities of around 0.4 m/s. These velocity profiles were then integrated to provide instantaneous flow rates on the order of 100 mu l/min to an accuracy of +/- 5 % relative to average flow rates determined using a digital balance. Due to the incoherent nature of the LED light source, the back-lit forward scatter observation mode and the applied refractive index matching system, the location of the test section walls and thus the local velocity fields were also accurately obtained. As a result of this, mu PSV provides a low cost and safe way to investigate microfluidics, especially in lab-on-a-chip applications where the necessary optical access through transparent test sections is often available.