1. Let's count the cell counters
Count cells or particles is a routine procedure for cell biologists, pharmaceutical scientists and
quality control professionals. The tools available for such task are abundant at least. From
counting the cells in hemocytometer to use automated cell counters, the cost ranges from less
than $1 to upwards of $100,000.
Let's count the ways you can count.
1. Hemacytometer: Conventional glass chamber with grid markings which provides a defined
volume and offers grid for easy counting under the microscope. In terms of the counting itself, a
$20 to $200 hemacytometer is sufficient. The variations come from the ease of use and the
through-put for cell counting. Disposable hemacytometers are available in the last several years
with the premises to protecting uses from some unknown infectious samples. The low price and
simple to use of the disposable hemacytometers make more and more laboratories switch over
from the glass, re-washed hemacytometers.
2. Imaging based cell counters: Several models are available on market which are based on
imaging a plastic hemacytometer and calculate cell concentration from the images. Users may be
able to save the images as part of the record if so chosen. Laboratories with reasonable sample
through put employ such devices for the time saving and semi-automated process. Auto T4 and
Countess are some of the models. Another type of counters are simply based on the images
captioned, but not restricted in the hemacytometer. Brightwell Technologies has a product,
DPA-4100 which utilizes direct imaging technology on the flowcell to quantitate particles from
0.75 uM to 400 uM. A highly versatile system can save every frame of the raw images as the
primary data. CYTORECON is also an image based system, but the samples are loaded in a special
cartridges, not onto hemacytometers. Better through put seems is the key feature.
3. Particle triggered counters: Several models on the market are based on electronic detector or
light based detector for any particles passing a special detect zone. The system will count based
on the volume and particle events recorded.