Flow cytometers, like all things electronic, have undergone rapid evolution since the introduction of the first commercial instruments 30 years ago. Beckman Coulter’s Epics XL-MCL™ Flow Cytometer redefines the standards of flow-cytometric analysis. It combines the analytical power of a research cytometer into a compact, truly walk-away, clinical analyzer, ergonomically designed to expedite sample throughput. The XL system can analyze up to 4 colors of immunofluorescence from a single air-cooled laser. Other multi-color applications include: multiparametric DNA analysis, platelet studies, reticulocyte enumeration, cell biology/functional studies as well as a broad range of research applications. The instrument is self-contained and biohazard safe. The user retains the flexibility to change filter elements for versatility in research settings. For high volume users, the XL-MCL™ system offers walk-away sample handling with the Multi Carousel Loader (MCL). Capable of throughputs of up to 100 samples per hour, the fully featured XL-MCL™ incorporates positive bar-code identification and true vortex mixing prior to aspiration. The XL remains the only flow cytometer to offer state-of-the-art Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for reliable linearity and drift-free amplification and compensation. The single laser design eliminates concerns regarding multi-beam stability, signal delay and alignment. Compensation is achieved by a unique digital compensation matrix.
The XL SYSTEM II™ software fully automates instrument set-up and compensation for 2, 3 and even 4-color applications. Optional features in the software include tetraONE, the 4-color, one tube, automatic analysis algorithm and reticONE, the automatic analysis algorithm which revolutionizes reticulocyte analysis. Other SYSTEM II features include complete network connectivity with LANtastic Software allowing patient work list and report generation from remote sites. The industry standard SQL/ODBC database allows connectivity to 3rd party, Windows-based, software programs. Plus, true walk-away automation is achieved with the AutoPrime feature.
The EXPO32 ADC software provides both acquisition and analysis options. This comprehensive software package gives you the power to simplify reporting, speed up data acquisition and analysis, track instrument use and get the most out of your data.
Beckman Coulter’s Epics XL-MCL™ Flow Cytometer is presently used in our lab on a daily basis. As a busy reference flow laboratory, we mainly provide flow cytometry immunophenotyping for investigation and diagnosis of acute and chronic leukemias, lymphomas, immunodeficiencies, platelet disorders, and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Additionally, within the institute, it is used for a wide variety of applications including multiparametric analysis of apoptosis, cell cycle and proliferation studies, several functional studies like ion fluxes, changes in pH and the intracellular redox state, cell tracing, activation of signal transduction pathways, Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and gene expression.
Because of increasing workload and the continual effort to improve our services, we invested in the Beckman Coulter’s Epics XL-MCL™ Flow Cytometer. In addition to time and labor savings due to reduced maintenance and operating system design, this flow cytometer automates many of the previous manual steps involved in quality control and flow cytometric analysis. Implementation of the Beckman Coulter’s Epics XL-MCL™ Flow Cytometer has resulted in a 20% reduction in reagent costs and shorter turnaround time for analysis and diagnosis. In conclusion, the Beckman Coulter’s Epics XL-MCL™ Flow Cytometer Cytomics is a major advance in flow cytometry instrumentation and an ideal flow cytometer for any busy clinical or research flow cytometry laboratory.