Automated Cell Counter for NIH Liver Disease Research

Requirements: The Liver Diseases Branch requires an automated cell counter to support ongoing clinical research studies involving immune cells obtained from patients with liver disease. These studies require the isolation and quantification of white blood cells for downstream research analyses.  Currently, white blood cells are counted manually using microscopy. To improve efficiency, increase counting throughput, enhance differentiation between white blood cells and red blood cells, distinguish live and dead cells, and reduce inter-operator variability, the laboratory requires an image-based automated cell counting system with dual-channel fluorescence and brightfield imaging capabilities.  The following product features and characteristics are required:  The system shall provide compatibility with existing laboratory workflows and support the use of customizable and saved experimental protocols for ongoing research studies.  The system shall be capable of processing a minimum of eight samples on a single slide.  The system shall complete cell counting in less than 60 seconds and provide the ability to capture two, four, or eight images per sample.  The system shall incorporate dual-channel fluorescence and brightfield imaging capabilities for cell counting and viability assessments.    The system shall support analysis of a wide range of sample types, including mouse immune cells, bone marrow cells, human blood lymphocytes, hepatocytes, and other primary cell populations.  The system shall be capable of analyzing sample volumes as small as 10 microliters.  The system shall allow users to customize, store, and retrieve commonly used experimental settings and analysis protocols.  The system shall be capable of supporting 21 CFR Part 11 compliance through available audit trail, user access control, and electronic signature functionality.  The system shall have a compact footprint suitable for placement on laboratory bench space approximately 15 inches deep and 10 inches wide.  The system shall include a minimum 12-month manufacturer's warranty.