Automatic Cell Counting and Cell Size Analysis Using Cellometer™ Auto T4 Image-Based Cell Counter

Abstract

Cell counting is a routine task in cell biology and molecular biology. Counting results contribute significantly to assay accuracy. However, currently available automatic cell counting methods often require costly instruments with liquid handling and cleaning hardware. Daily usage requires special reagent and sample preparation, along with routine calibration and maintenance. Due to these limitations, cell counting remains largely a traditional manual operation with hemacytomers for most research laboratories. CellometerTM Auto T4 is an automated system to replace manual cell counting. Like using a hemacytometer, it requires no special counting buffer or cell manipulation. Cells in growth media, PBS or other solutions can be pipetted directly into disposable counting chambers. For cell viability, the standard trypan blue method is used. By using disposable, all plastic counting chambers, samples are isolated within each counting chamber, thus eliminating needs for liquid handling hardware and risk of cross contamination by different samples. There is no washing between each sample and no chance to clog the system.