Automated Cell Count and Viability
Assay setup and optimization, as well as routine maintenance of cell cultures, requires accurate determination of cell counts and viability. Manual cell counting with a hemocytometer is time consuming and depends on subjective evaluation by the user, leading to erroneous and inconsistent results.
A range of methods for accurately and efficiently determining cell counts and viability are available for the Cytation™ Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader and Lionheart™ Automated Imager. Automated image capture and analysis tools quantify cells loaded into either a reusable glass hemocytometer or disposable counting chambers. Total cell counts are determined using label-free techniques, while trypan blue or fluorescent labels can be used to measure cell viability.
Cell Count and Viability Starter Kit
BioTek’s Cell Count & Viability Starter Kit includes everything a researcher needs to count cells and measure viability in a mammalian cell suspension using a BioTek Cytation Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader or a Lionheart Automated Imager. The Kit saves time and increases data quality by automating the tedious and error-prone process of mammalian cell counting.
All-inclusive kit: (1) 50 disposable cell counting slides, (2) 4-slide holder, (3) Cell Count & Viability App, (4) quick start guide
Cell Count and Viability App Procedure
Cell count determination
Samples are imaged and total cell counts are automatically determined using Gen5 image analysis tools.
Automatic % live/dead calculation
The kit includes trypan blue stain to stain dead cells. Once stained and imaged, the software app automatically calculates the live/dead cell percentage.
Built-in dilution calculator
The Cell Count & Viability App includes a calculator to automatically determine how much sample and media are required to reach a desired cell concentration, to facilitate downstream applications.
Fluorescence-based Cell Count and Viability
A broad range of imaging LED and filter cubes are available for cell-counting applications involving fluorescent markers designed to measure cell viability. Percent live / dead calculations and subpopulation analysis are performed by Gen5™ based on preset parameters.
Calcein AM is an esterase substrate that stains live cells green, while ethidium homodimer-III
(EthD-III) is a membrane-impermeable DNA dye that stains dead cells red. When these two stains
are used in conjunction, they provide a sensitive dual-fluorescence system for conducting
automated cell viability measurements.
Application Notes
- Automated Hemocytometer-Based Live/Dead Cell Counting using Phase Contrast and Color Brightfield Imaging
- Automated Cell Counting with High Contrast Brightfield and EVE Counting Slides
- An Absorbance-based Cytotoxicity Assay using High Absorptivity, Water-soluble Tetrazolium Salts - Cell Quantitation Using WST-8 and the Synergy™ Mx