Cell Count | Sartorius

Cell Count and Viability

Cell counting is a standard laboratory procedure that is routinely used within many experimental workflows, from life sciences to medical diagnostics. The assessment of cell counting in combination with viability is an important step in the characterization of cell health. Cell count and viability information can be used for monitoring proliferation rates, optimizing growth conditions and normalizing cell data for further studies.

In order to achieve optimum results, accurate and repeatable cell count and cell viability are essential. Traditional methods for measuring cell count and viability are often low throughput, lack linearity, and are time-consuming processes that do not provide the adequate event sampling necessary for reproducibility and accuracy of live cell analysis .

The iQue® Cell Count and Viability Kit provides accuracy across a large linear range in 96- and 384 well plates and reproducible analysis of absolute cell count and viability data from a variety of non-adherent cell lines with a streamlined workflow from cell labeling to analysis with no cell dilution required. Quantitate cell count and viability efficiently and accurately with iQue® High-Throughput Screening (HTS) by Cytometry.


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Assay Concept

iQue® Cell Count and Viability Kit Assay Concept

Designed for quantitative analysis of cell counts and viability, the assay is optimized to run on  the iQue® HTS platform with BR and VBR configurations, combining high throughput sampling and flow cytometry detection capabilities. It provides fast analysis of absolute cell count and viability across a large linear range from a variety of non-adherent cell lines with a streamlined workflow from cell labeling to analysis.

The kit includes validated reagents and pre-set templates for gating strategy and analysis. Using customer-provided cells, the kit identifies live cells and determines sample density in a quick, no-wash assay.

Basic assay workflow:

  • Undiluted cells are mixed 1:1 with viability dye and incubated for 10-30 minutes
  • Counting beads are added to the wells
  • Plate is analyzed on the iQue® HTS platform (BR and VBR configurations)

Key Advantages

Increase accuracy and reproducibility in biological workflows

Ensure robust experimental outcomes with multiplexed assessment of cell counting and viability



Figure 1. Reproducible and accurate viability and counts across a wide range

(A) Mixtures of growing and heat-killed cells (Jurkat, Raji, or Ramos cell lines) were tested at various ratios to ensure linear correlations throughout the range of sensitivity.

(B) Various densities of Jurkat cells were compared to determine linear range of cell counting. Undiluted cells were measured reliably from densities ranging from 8x104 to 2x107 cells/ml.

Perform high-throughput analysis 

Quantify cell viability and count efficiently across a large linear range in 96 or 384-well plates

Figure 2. Heat and Profile Maps lead to actionable data

Limiting Dilution Cloning was performed by plating a limited dilution of CHO-S cells in a 96-well plate. Cells were incubated at 37°C, 5% humidity on an orbital shaker. Outer wells were media alone to prevent edge effects. Cell Density and Viability were determined using the iQue® Cell Count and Viability Kit. A Profile Map was generated to highlight wells that meet multiple criteria [(Cell Density > 0.3 million cells / ml) AND (Viability > 75%)]. Each metric in the profile map can be adjusted by dragging the slider bars at top of graph or by right-clicking to edit and the map of ‘hits’ will update automatically. The hits can be exported as a CSV file for hit picking or other downstream analysis.

(A)  Heat map of cell density

(B) Heat map of viability

(C) Profile map showing hits matching higher density and viability

Save precious samples

Small sample size (10 µL) assures that precious samples are conserved for more critical downstream assays.
 

Figure 3. Easy to follow, low volume (10 µL/sample) protocol save cells and setup time.

Maximize your productivity

Streamlined workflow with rapid, simple protocol, no washing, no cell dilution


Figure 4. Templated gating and analysis

Provided template with pre-set gating, acquisition settings, and analysis is imported into iQue Forecyt® Software for quantitation of cell count and viability.

Ordering Information

Ordering Information

Platform: Compatible with iQue® 3/iQue® Screener Plus - VBR and BR Configurations

Product

Size

Cat. No.

iQue® Cell Count and Viability Kit

1 x 96 well

BA-97110

5 x 96 wells

BA-97111

1 x 384 wells    

BA-97112

5 x 384 wells    

BA-97113


Resources

Literature and Documentation

eBook

Article Collection: Advanced Flow Cytometry for Stem Cells

Role of cytometry in production, characterization and expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells for clinical applications.

Application Note

Use of iQue® Proliferation and Encoding Dyes for Cellular Assays

This application note exemplifies the wide range of applications for the iQue® Cell Proliferation and Encoding Dyes.

Webinar

On-Demand Webinar

Evaluating Cell Count, Health and Intracellular Marker Expression

Application Note

High-Throughput Viable Cell Density Determination

High-Throughput Viable Cell Density Determination Using the iQue® HTS Cytometry Platform.

Brochure

iQue® High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Cytometry Platform Brochure

iQue®️ Reagent Kits brochure cover
Brochure

iQue® Reagent Kits

Perform comprehensive, multiplexed analysis of cells, beads and secreted proteins all from the same cells at the same timepoint.

Product Guide

iQue® Cell Count and Viability Kit Product Guide

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