The Cell Lab Quanta SC aims to squeeze more data from flow cytometry methods that have traditionally been used in precise distribution and analysis of intact cells.
It is also used for quantitative measurement of intracellular components (such as genes and proteins) and secreted proteins.
The Quanta SC combines side light scatter detection and a third fluorescent channel with Coulter volume measurement to deliver multiparameter cell counting and sizing.
The cytometer can analyse a variety of cellular types including mammalian, yeast and bacteria in research applications such as cell cycle, apoptosis, cellular enumeration and sizing and basic immunophenotyping. The system is thus ideal for distributed testing in non-core labs.
Up to five parameters can be studied at once on the new system. The additional fluorescent channel and the sidelight scatter capability enable users to measure cellular granularity for three-colour immunophenotyping applications.
Flow cytometry's flexibility allows it to be used in providing automated analysis of various blood cell populations.
It is commonly used in in-vitro diagnostics to identify and enumerate certain cell populations that are key indicators of diseases including HIV, leukaemia and lymphoma.
These indicators are instrumental in monitoring disease progression and effectiveness of therapy.
Beckman Coulter have taken these researcher's needs and have incorporated its proprietary volume measurement feature. Users can thus carry out sensitive antigen density studies, critical for understanding apoptosis processes in more detail.
"With the Quanta SC's ability to measure more parameters, we expand the possibilities available to researchers for routine cell-based assays," explained Brendan Yee, business manager for Beckman Coulter.
"The Quanta SC with side scatter and additional fluorescent channel adds capabilities to a system that was already unique due to the incorporation of Coulter counting."
According to biochemistry company Dakocytomation, the current global value of the flow cytometry market is much larger than that of the immunohistochemistry (IHC) market, at approximately $600 million (€464 million).
Other features of the technology include, Quanta's multiple excitation wavelengths, including UV and laser light sources, allowing flexible fluorochrome selection for a variety of multicolour analyses.
Quanta SC is also equipped with a 488 nm laser diode for fluorescent and side scatter analysis as well as a mercury arc lamp for use with UV-excitable dyes.