Beckman-Coulter ViCell XR Imaging Hemacytometer

Overview: This instrument is an automated cell viability analyzer using trypan blue exclusion staining combined with imaged-based size analysis. A cell sample is loaded into the system (minimum 600uL, but can be diluted and dilution factored into final result), and the instrument aspirates the sample, mixes in the trypan blue, loads the sample into the chamber and records: cell count/mL (equivalent of 100 “grids”), percent viability, and size distribution. It then performs a clean cycle and repeats for the next sample in the carousel. Sample processing time is approximately 2.5 minutes per sample, although there are several user programmable features that can reduce or increase this time.

Figure 1. This is an example of a single grid. The green dots being viable cells and the red being trypan blue stained.

The instrument was originally purchased by the facility for use in validating sort recoveries and viabilities, but its ease of use and low support requirements have made it suitable for use as a user operated instrument. If you would like to learn more about this instrument, please contact the flow staff at x8396 or visit the manufacturer’s webpage.