Introduction

An automated cell counter is an instrument for automatically counting living and/or dead cells. Researchers opt for automated cell counters compared to manual hemocytometers, which have been used to count cells for decades since they deliver faster and more accurate cell counts. An automated cell counter can deliver a count in less than 9 seconds in the bright field mode compared to the 5 minutes manual counting would take. 

An automated cell counter can measure cell concentration before cell passage or evaluate the cell viability of a cultured cell line. Conduct Science’s automated cell counter allows easy operation of brightfield and fluorescence cell counts. It also has multiple data displays and storage, which furthers its convenience. 

Apparatus 

The Automated Cell Counter weighs ~3.2 kg and measures 212 m in width, 264 mm in height, and 165 mm in depth. It can count various cells such as stem cells, primary cells, cell lines, pollens, and beer yeast in less than 9 seconds. The counting area measures 2.15 mm×1.62 mm. It can accurately count cells with a size range of 4-60 microns and a concentration of 104-107 cells/mL. It has an amplification factor of 2.5×5.0 Megapixels. It also includes an option for fluorescence analysis. It allows both manual focusing and autofocusing methods. It has large historical data storage that can save up to 1000 counting reports and images. It can be used in either Chinese or English language settings. 

Protocol

• Connect the Automated Cell Counter to your computer or laptop and turn it on
• Place the filled counting chamber on top of the stage 
• Tap the Count button while concentrating on your cells 

Applications

Medical and research laboratories employ automated cell counters to assess the quantity and kinds of cells present in blood or urine samples and verify the viability of a cultivated cell line for research purposes. Some automated cell counters are used for blood testing, while others are used for urinalysis. 

The automated cell counter is highly efficient in counting deferential neutrophil counts, with moderate efficiency in counting lymphocytes and less efficiency in monocytes and eosinophils counting (von Konigslow, Renaud, Duffield, Higginson, & Kelton, 2019). The countermeasures cells of body fluids with precision, improved accuracy, and efficiency is extremely difficult with manual counters (Bourner et al., 2014).

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths 

Automated cell counting is quicker, less reliant on the user, and simple to use. The device has a large data storage, allowing 1000 counts to be stored. Moreover, it allows multiple data displays and storage with the data access allowed from any location, at any time. 

It can count various types of cells that include cell lines, stem cells, beer yeast, primary cells, and pollens with the accuracy in size ranging from 4 microns to 60 microns. It only weighs 3.2 kg, which makes it easy to carry anywhere. In terms of safety, there is no hazardous biological damage as it comes with disposable slides. 

Using it at a comfortable angle of 45 degrees reduces eye fatigue and spine pain. A built-in dilution calculator makes the work quicker and less tedious. Users can preset functions according to their needs; they can adjust cell size, roundness, and brightness which makes it more accurate. It can store data in different formats, i.e., PNG, PDF, CSV, and JPEG. 

Limitations

Automated hematology analyzers may inadvertently exaggerate or deflate cell counts. They solely measure the volume and amount of particles. Certain analyzers, particularly impedance-based counters, may not distinguish between minute aggregates of platelets and nucleated red blood cells. Platelet clumping may be mistaken for leukocytes or erythrocytes, and nucleated red blood cells, especially lymphocytes, can be mistaken for leukocytes. Atypical cells that are big or unidentified, toxic immature neutrophils, and significantly reactive lymphocytes may also be misclassified. 

Precautions

• Use the Counter within each model’s ambient operating temperature, humidity, water, and oil exposure specifications.
• For each model, save the Counter with the set temperature range. Allow at least 3 hours for the Counter to come to room temperature if kept at a temperature below 10°C.
• Do not use the Counter in places with a lot of stress and vibration; long-term use in such settings might cause damage to the Counter.
• When switching a load, magnetic contactors produce a shock of 1,000 to 2,000 m/s2. Separate magnetic contactors from the Counter when mounting to DIN Track to avoid vibration and stress. Rubber with anti-vibration properties should be used.
• Organic solvents (benzene or paint thinner), strong alkalis, or strong acids should not be used since they will harm the Counter’s exterior conditions.
• Keep the counter as far away from static electricity sources as possible.
• Condensation inside the Counter might cause malfunction or damage to the Counter’s components.
• Depending on the operational climate, resin and rubber components (such as rubber packaging) may degrade, shrink, or harden (e.g., subjected to corrosive gases, ultraviolet light, or high temperatures). Periodic inspection and replacement are recommended. 

Summary

• Automated cell counters are instruments for automatically counting living and dead cells in culture. They count suspension, adherent, and aggregated cells.
• They deliver faster, simpler, and more reliable cell counts at difficult-to-estimate concentrations than manual counters.
• Automatic cell counters may be self-contained (internal PC) or linked to an external computer. 
• It allows the performance of image-based cell counts and also has an option for fluorescence analysis. 
• It can accurately count cells with sizes ranging between 4-60 microns and concentrations ranging between 104-107 cells/mL.

References

Bourner, G., De la Salle, B., George, T., Tabe, Y., Baum, H., Culp, N., & Keng, T. B. (2014). ICSH guidelines for the verification and performance of automated cell counters for body fluids. International Journal of Laboratory Hematology, 36(6), 598-612. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12196

Green, R., & Wachsmann-Hogiu, S. (2015). Development, history, and future of automated cell counters. Clin Lab Med, 35(1), 1-10. doi:10.1016/j.cll.2014.11.003

von Konigslow, T. E., Renaud, D. L., Duffield, T. F., Higginson, V., & Kelton, D. F. (2019). Validation of an automated cell counter to determine leukocyte differential counts in neonatal Holstein calves. Journal of dairy science, 102(8), 7445–7452. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-16370