Merck has launched the Scepter 3.0 handheld automated cell counter, to provide cell volume, cell diameter and cell concentration data.
The Scepter 3.0 cell counter is designed to offer automation without the risk of error that accompanies vision-based systems, using a combination of analogue and digital hardware for sensing, signal processing, data storage, and graphical display. The polymer sensor has a laser-drilled aperture in its cell-sensing zone that enables it to use the Coulter principle to discriminate cell diameter and volume at submicron and subpicoliter resolution, respectively.
Using a sensor with a 40 μm aperture, the Scepter cell counter can count a range of cell types, including small cells (> 4 μm in diameter) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
Users can export data via USB or wirelessly to a lab workstation for recording and archiving, streamlining the data analysis process and eliminating human error during data transfer, the company says.
The device can count thousands of cells per measurement with maximum precision. It requires no sample prep, dedicated reagents or hazardous dyes, and no cleaning protocol to maintain operation. It can be used to monitor cell health between measurements, passages and batches using size and morphology.
