Cell Counters, Sizers and Media Analyzers

Common Applications for Cell Counters and Media Analyzers

Automated cell counting and viability analysis
Cell size measurement and particle characterization
Cell culture monitoring and quality control
Bioanalyte analysis for bioprocess workflows
High-throughput laboratory workflows

Since the invention of the original Coulter Counter, cell counting and sizing technologies have played a critical role in life science research, bioprocessing, and cell therapy development. Today, laboratories rely on advanced cell counters, cell viability analyzers, particle sizing instruments, and media analyzers to generate accurate data and support informed decision-making throughout the cell culture workflow.

We offer complementary technologies for particle characterization, automated cell counting and viability analysis, and cell-culture bioanalyte monitoring. These systems help laboratories generate quantitative information about particle populations, cell concentration, viability, and culture conditions. These technologies support standardized measurement workflows and provide information that can be used to improve reproducibility, increase workflow efficiency, and monitor cell health from early research through process development and manufacturing.

Whether your application requires automated cell counting, cell viability assessment, particle sizing, or rapid bioanalyte analysis, these solutions deliver reliable performance and actionable data for modern laboratory and bioprocessing environments.

Vi-CELL BLU Cell Viability Analyzer

Fully automated trypan blue dye exclusion method
High throughput
24-position carousel
Supports 96-well plate
Faster analysis time compared to Vi-CELL XR
Single sign-on with Active Directory
Facilitates 21 CFR Part 11

Vi-CELL MetaFLEX Bioanalyte Analyzer

Fast accurate bioanalyte analysis
Small sample volume (65 µl)
Results in 35 seconds
Accurate analysis of pH, pO₂, pCO₂, glucose, lactate, electrolytes and more

Multisizer 4e Coulter Counter

Overall sizing range 0.2 μm-1,600 μm
10 μm aperture for micro-particle measurement (0.2 μm)
Multiple security levels for 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance
Complex sample analysis across wide particle size distribution range
Quality assurance ready (multiple SOM/SOP configurations & V-check validation package)

FAQ on Cell Counters, Sizers and Media Analyzers

What is a Coulter Counter?

A Coulter Counter counts and sizes particles suspended in an electrically conductive liquid by measuring changes in electrical impedance as individual particles pass through an aperture. Each detected pulse represents a particle event, while pulse amplitude is proportional to the volume of electrolyte displaced by the particle. When the analyzed sample volume is known, the measurements can also be used to determine particle concentration. The Multisizer 4e Coulter Counter applies this method to individual-particle counting and sizing.

The Coulter Principle is used to count and size particles suspended in an electrically conductive liquid. As particles pass individually through an aperture between two electrodes, each particle displaces electrolyte and produces a temporary change in electrical impedance. The number of pulses corresponds to the number of detected particles, and the amplitude of each pulse is proportional to particle volume. These data can be used to calculate particle size distribution and concentration.

When should a Coulter Counter be used instead of flow cytometry?

A Coulter Counter is appropriate when the primary objectives are to determine individual-particle count, concentration and volume-based size distribution without relying on fluorescent labels or particle optical properties. Samples must be suspended in an electrically conductive liquid and matched with an appropriate aperture.

Flow cytometry may be more appropriate when the study requires fluorescence-based identification, biomarker expression data or differentiation of populations using multiple optical parameters. Method selection should be based on the required information, sample characteristics and analytical workflow.

What factors can influence cell viability measurements?

Cell viability results can be affected by sample handling, incubation conditions, reagent selection, timing of analysis, and cell type. Standardized protocols help improve consistency and ensure reliable viability assessments across experiments.