Cell Lab QUANTA* Flow Cytometer From Beckman Coulter

The Cell Lab QUANTA* Flow Cytometer from Beckman Coulter can simultaneously measure electronic volume, side scatter and three fluorescent colors during the analysis. With a combination of laser and UV light sources, it can enable multiple color analysis in a single cytometry assay. Light sources of Quanta can excite fluorochromes at 366, 405, 435,488 nm. These combined with a variety of filters makes the Quanta perfect for multiplex analysis and other cell analysis. However, what really separates Quanta from the other cytometers is its capability to automatically deliver samples from the microtiter plate. This feature significantly reduces the sample handling time. Moreover, this feature makes integration of other automated systems easy. However, one should note that the run time per sample is still similar to a regular single channel flow cytometer; it is only the sample delivery system that’s automated.

I used the Quanta to measure the viability of CHO cells in relatively high throughput (10-20 plates per day). Typically, I stained the cells with 7-AAD. I used the fluorescent detector to detect the dead cells, and used the electrical volume to detect the all the cells. The system gave us consistent results and was reliable. However, one issue I encountered with the Quanta is its limited dynamic range for cell density. The Quanta requires sheath fluid, which results in inaccurate sample volume estimation; this inaccuracy leads to a small dynamic range in cell density measurement. This can be corrected by spiking each sample with calibration beads. Another area of concern with the Quanta is its flow cytometer. It’s not exactly a cell sorter. It cannot put a charge on specific cells that have defined properties, and then deflect the charged cells into separate collection tubes. In other words, it lacks the ability to physically separate a group of cells from the rest.

Overall, Quanta is a flow cytometer that can reduce hands-on time for your cell assay or multiplex experiments. It is also easy to integrate it into an automated lab. The downside of the system is that it might require some assay development for cell density or volumetric measurement.