Automated Cell Counting with High Contrast Brightfield and EVE Counting Slides

Introduction

The Cytation™ Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader is a versatile instrument for conducting a broad range of cell counting applications. High contrast brightfield imaging and Gen5™ Microplate Reader and Imager Software deliver convenient and accurate label-free cell counts, with calculated cell concentration and cell size profiles reported. The ability to use up to four fluorescent imaging cubes, available in a broad range of wavelengths, enables detailed characterization of cell viability using diverse fluorescent markers. Disposable EVE™ counting chambers from NanoEnTek eliminate the need for washing components, increasing productivity and reducing user exposure to hazardous samples compared to a conventional hemocytometer.

Assay Overview

Automated Cell Counts with Cytation and EVE Counting Slides

Each EVE slide contains two independent counting chambers. The Cytation slide adapter (Part Number: 1220548) accommodates two EVE slides for measuring up to four samples in approximately sixty seconds. The automated protocol collects four images with a 4x objective and stitches them together to produce a large area per chamber (11.5 mm²) for accurate determination of sample concentrations.

Accurate and Robust Cell Counts with High Contrast Brightfield Imaging

Gen5 image analysis software automatically identifies cells from high contrast brightfield images based on size, circularity, and intensity thresholds. The software is able to resolve individual cells within clusters and generate accurate counts of samples containing debris. Irregular-shaped cells can be identified and counted by adjusting the circularity threshold or defining subpopulations. Cell morphology and accuracy of cell counts can be evaluated by viewing high-resolution images.

Automated Image-based Counts Result in Less Variation Compared to Manual Methods

Manual cell counting with a hemocytometer depends on subjective evaluation by the user, leading to erroneous and inconsistent results.

The Cytation system uses Gen5 software to conduct automated image capture and analysis, minimizing subjectivity and generating cell counts in less time with increased reproducibility across users.

Cell Size Determination and Subpopulation Analysis

The Gen5 histogram feature produces a detailed description of cell size for each sample with mean and variance reported. The cell size profile from multiple samples can be viewed simultaneously for comparative analysis. Subpopulations can be defined in Gen5 using cell characteristics of interest and quantified for each sample.

Histogram of HEK293 sample cell size.

Analysis of Cell Viability

The Cytation Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader is available with a broad range of imaging LED and filter cubes for cell-counting applications involving fluorescent markers designed to measure cell viability. Percent live / dead calculations and subpopulation analysis are performed automatically based on preset parameters.

Conclusions

Available high contrast brightfield imaging on the Cytation system provides accurate label-free cell counts for adherent and suspension cell types. The broad range of imaging LED and filter cubes enable fluorescencebased characterization of cell viability and subpopulation analysis. Gen5 image analysis software automatically calculates concentration, cell size, and percent viability. Disposable EVE chamber slides provide a convenient and economical cytometer for use with the Cytation. Combined, the Cytation Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader and EVE counting chambers deliver a fast and reliable solution for conducting diverse cell counting applications.