Accurate counts in as few as 10 seconds
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers two high-performance automated cell counters designed to meet the needs of any lab. The Invitrogen Countess II and Countess II FL Automated Cell Counters contain advanced autofocusing and counting algorithms to allow you to quickly and accurately count cells, while avoiding user variation associated with counting.
- Accuracy—autofocus and auto-lighting minimize user-to-user variability
- Speed—results in as little as 10 seconds
- Convenience—build-in dilatation calculator and ability to save up to 10 user profiles
Countess II Automated Cell Counter
- Bright field counting
Compare with Countess II FL
Request demo
See ordering information
Countess II FL Automated Cell Counter
- Brightfield plus fluorescence counting
- Reusable slides option
Compare with Countess II
Request demo
See ordering information
Accuracy—autofocus and auto-lighting minimize user-to-user variability
The Countess Automated Cell Counter contains advanced autofocusing and counting algorithms to allow you to quickly and accurately identify and count cells within a population (Figure 1). Countess instruments are compatible with a broad range of cell types and cell lines, and we have verified their use on a number of commonly used cell lines. Upon insertion of the slide the Countess instrument will automatically focus on cells, which helps to minimize user variation associated with manual focusing. Cells between ~7 µm and 60 µm and in suspension at a density of 1 x 104 to 1 x 107 cells/mL are optimal for counting.
Figure 1. Autofocusing and advanced counting algorithms are designed for more precise counting. NIH/3T3, HeLa, and HL-60 cells were counted using a Countess II FL Automated Cell Counter (blue bar) or counted manually under a microscope using a hemocytometer (purple bar). Each bar is an average of 10 counts.
Clumpy cells are not a problem
Clumpy cells are not a problem for the Countess Automated Cell Counter. Whether you currently use automated or manual cell counting methods, obtaining accurate cell counts from samples containing clumpy cells can be difficult. The advanced counting algorithms of the Countess Automated Cell Counter can clearly identify cell boundaries within clumps of cells, resulting in accurate cell counts (Figure 2).
Speed—results in as few as 10 seconds
The time it takes to manually count cells using a hemocytometer (up to 5 minutes) compared to counting with the Countess II automated cell counters (10 seconds) is often overlooked as an added cost. An individual counting five slides per day (two samples per slide) can save ~10 hours per month by switching to an automated counter with a reusable slide. The time savings increases to ~15 hours per month when using disposable slides (Figure 3). This additional time can be applied to other activities in the lab, resulting in a significant advantage when switching from manual to automated cell counting.
Figure 3. Estimated hours saved per month when switching from counting cells with a hemocytometer to using an automated cell counter.
Convenience—built-in dilution calculator and ability to save up to 10 user profiles
Built-in dilution calculator
Easily determine the amount of cell sample and buffer needed for your experiment with the built-in dilution calculator. The cell count results are automatically used in the calculation; simply input the desired concentration and the volume needed.
Easily gate cells and view histograms
Cells can be gated based on cell size, brightness, and circularity to fine-tune what is included or excluded for specific applications. View the histogram by selecting the graph icon, and watch the changes in real time as you use the gating features. The average cell size is also displayed on the histogram.
Streamline your workflow with custom profiles
Custom profiles can be saved and easily accessed from the capture and results screens. Settings for cell size, brightness, and circularity as well as fluorescence thresholds can be customized and saved for easy retrieval.
Printable report with cell counting results
Using the USB port on the Countess II and II FL Automated Cell Counters, you can save your cell count results and images and then transfer them to your own computer. Image files can be saved as TIF, PNG, or JPG files, and the results are saved as a CSV file. A printable PDF report with results, images, and settings used can also be saved.
Compare Countess II and II FL cell counters
| Feature | Countess II counter | Countess II FL counter |
|---|---|---|
| Counting mode | Brightfield | Brightfield channel plus two optional, user-changeable fluorescence channels |
| Slides | Disposable slides | Reusable and disposable slides |
| Counting time | As few as 10 seconds | |
| Focus | Autofocus with manual focus option | |
| User profiles | Customize and save up to 10 user profiles | |
| User interface | Intuitive touch screen with ability to use a mouse, if desired | |
Countess II Automated Cell Counter ordering information
| Cat. No. | Name |
|---|---|
| Instrument (instrument includes one-year standard warranty) | |
| AMQAX1000 | Countess II Automated Cell Counter |
| Instrument with extended warranty* See service plan overview | |
| A27978 | Instrument + 3 yr Rapid Exchange (REX) extended warranty |
| A27977 | Instrument + 3 yr AB Repair Center (ABRC) Plus extended warranty |
| Package | |
| Countess II Automated Cell Counter Productivity Package We provide you a custom quote upon the selection from following items:
|
|
| Consumables | |
| C10228 | Countess Cell Counting Chamber Slides (50) |
| C10312 | Countess Cell Counting Chamber Slides (500) |
*Learn more about Rapid Exchange (REX)
*Learn more about AB Repair Center (ABRC) Support
Countess II FL Automated Cell Counter ordering information
| Cat. No. | Name |
|---|---|
| Instrument (instrument includes one-year standard warranty) | |
| AMQAF1000 | Countess II FL Automated Cell Counter |
| Instrument with extended warranty* See service plan overview | |
| A27975 | Instrument + 1 yr Rapid Exchange (REX) extended warranty |
| A27976 | Instrument + 3 yr Rapid Exchange (REX) extended warranty |
| A27974 | Instrument + 3 yr AB Repair Center (ABRC) Plus extended warranty |
| Package | |
| A32136 | Countess II FL Automated Cell Counter Starter Package This kit includes:
|
| Countess II FL Automated Cell Counter Productivity Package We provide you a custom quote upon the selection from following items:
|
|
| Consumables | |
| A25750 | Countess II FL Reusable Slide |
| C10228 | Countess Cell Counting Chamber Slides (50) |
| C10312 | Countess Cell Counting Chamber Slides (500) |
*Learn more about Rapid Exchange (REX)
*Learn more about AB Repair Center (ABRC) Support
Service plan overview
| Rapid Exchange (REX) | AB Repair Center (ABRC) Support | |
|---|---|---|
| Plan is designed for | Labs that operate under critical timelines | Regulated labs that must maintain asset tagging consistency to comply with regulated protocols |
| Repair time | Replacement shipped out in 1 business day | Your instrument repaired and returned in ~3 weeks* |
| Off-site repair service including shipping, parts, and labor | ||
| High-priority telephone and email access to our remote service center | ||
| * For added convenience upgrade to ABRC Support Plus contract, which includes a loan instrument to be shipped within 1 business day. | ||
Publications
Technical resources
Application notes
Instrument support & demo
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
