Systems and methods for detection of a signal from droplets of an emulsion. An exemplary system may comprise a fluid transporter having a tube with an open end for aspirating droplets, a singulator to arrange the droplets in single file and to space the single-file droplets from one another, and a detection channel in optical communication with a detector configured to detect a signal from droplets. In some embodiments, the singulator may have a channel junction at which a stream of droplets in single file is combined with a stream of spacing fluid, and a tapered spacing channel extending downstream from the channel junction toward the detection channel. In some embodiments, the fluid transporter may suck droplet-containing fluid and spacing fluid through the detection channel from respective sources. In some embodiments, droplets may be subjected to a disaggregation routine before they are passed through the detection channel.