Automated viability solutions.

Vi-CELL Series
Cell Viability Analyzers Blood Banking
Capillary Electrophoresis
Cell Analysis
Centrifugation
Genomics
Lab Automation
Lab Tools
Particle Characterization

viability %
cell counting & sizing
total cell concentration
21 CFR Part 11
validation

BR-9713C
Vi-CELL Series
Cell Viability Analyzers
The Beckman Coulter Vi-CELL automates the widely accepted trypan blue dye exclusion method for cell viability that has
historically been performed manually with a light microscope and hemacytometer. In minutes, the Vi-CELL system measures
15 to 30 times the volume of the hemacytometer method with a more comprehensive number of parameters enhancing
statistical reliability of the results.

The Vi-CELL Series features the following key

benefits:

• A
 utomated viability analysis using the
trypan blue standard.

• R
 apid, reliable and objective results over
manual hemacytometer methods.

• C
 ell Imaging provides critical information
not available using conventional methods.

• E
 nhanced Image resolution provides
cellular detail 10x better than other image
viability analyzers.

The Vi-CELL demonstrates excellent concentration linearity

over a wide range.

Theory and Function

Trypan Blue Dye Exclusion Method The Vi-CELL will analyze up to 100 images for
a determination of cellular viability. This whole
The Vi-CELL utilizes the widely accepted trypan blue process and the subsequent cleaning cycle takes
dye exclusion method to determine cellular viability. approximately 2.5 minutes.
When cells die their membranes become permeable,
thus allowing for the uptake of the trypan blue dye. Imaging Technology
As a result, the dead or non-viable cells become
darker than the viable cells. It is this contrast that is In the Vi-CELL system a proprietary algorithm is
measured to determine viability. utilized to determine which cells have absorbed the
trypan blue dye and which have not.
Instrument Operation The first step is to digitize the collected video image
and transform this from a continuous smooth image
The Vi-CELL, while simple to use, represents the very
into an array of distinct elements or pixels. The
latest in cutting edge image analysis technology and
Vi-CELL provides enhanced magnification and an
fluidics management. At the heart of the Vi-CELL is
effective pixel area size resulting in superior image
our customized liquid handling system. This system,
resolution. Each element is assigned a “gray level” or
which allows sample aspiration, reagent handling, and
brightness value from 0 (black) to 255 (white).
subsequent instrument cleaning, is fully automated.
Once the cellular suspension has been aspirated and Thresholds within the software then determine which
mixed with the trypan blue, it is pumped to the flow cells have absorbed trypan blue dye and which have
cell for imaging. not. Those cells that have lower gray values appear
“dark” and are determined to be non-viable. Those
with high “gray levels” are determined to be viable.
Sample Analysis
 as never been so simple,
h
it’s as easy as....
Software
with power, flexibility, and simplicity

Power and Flexibility for R&D, QC and

The trypan blue
Manufacturing Applications – at Your Fingertips
dye uptake by the dark
The Vi-CELL software interface has been cells here indicate they
designed to be simple to use, yet offers are dead, whereas the
numerous innovative features for those users white cells reflect living
demanding the maximum flexibility. cells that did not take
up the dye.
For many users the main screen may be
the only one they need. Everything the user
requires to log in samples and view results
is right there. All of the available graphs,
including Viability %, Viable size distribution,
and Total cells/mL are easily selectable via
the drop-down menu.
The bioprocess tracking, auto-sampler
queue and control monitoring features are
easily accessed via the novel navigation bar
on the left side of the screen.
Real-time cellular imaging provides additional
information not available using standard
aperture cell counting methods. This image
enhances the results, combining cellular Real-time cellular imaging
detail with viability, size and concentration. enhances results

Optimize your bioreactor data

Monitor you culture over time
Bioprocess-Tracking

The Vi-CELL bioprocess-tracking feature

allows convenient, automated tracking of
your cell culture parameters, essential for
optimum bioreactor productivity. Data points
of total cell counts and viability percent
are electronically recorded and stored,
eliminating potential errors in manual recording.
Thus, the bioprocess-tracking feature offers
the complete solution for your bioreactor’s
cellular growth cycle.
Regulatory Compliance
Establishing a strong partnership
21 CFR Part 11

The Electronic Records and Electronic Signatures Rule (21 CFR Part 11) was established by the FDA
to define the requirements for submitting documentation in electronic form and the criteria for approved
electronic signatures. Since analytical instrument systems such as the Vi-CELL generate electronic
records, these systems must facilitate
compliance with the Electronic Records Rule.
By selecting the 21 CFR Part 11 option in the
software, it automatically allows the user to
configure the system for compliance.
The Vi-CELL features the following key
system components to facilitate 21 CFR 11
compliance:
• Audit trail
• Electronic signature capability
• Secure user sign-on
• User level permissions
• Administrative configuration tools

V-Check Program

Beckman Coulter Inc. complies with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP’s). This gives Beckman
Coulter a unique understanding of the strict requirements that users in regulated industries are subjected to.
As a result, Beckman Coulter has established a comprehensive program to address all aspects of the
instrument validation.
The V-Check program is a comprehensive package that addresses all appropriate aspects of a product’s life
cycle, from instrument development to ongoing performance verification (SQ, DQ, IQ, OQ, PQ).
The V-Check program contains all the necessary documentation for
instrument validation. This documentation is required to show auditors
and investigators proof of proper instrument validation. It consists of a
number of functional inter-linked components, which have been designed
to give the user assurance that the product is fit
for the purpose that it has been designed for and
will perform on a consistent basis for these tasks.
Where other instrument manufacturers leave off,
Beckman Coulter and the V-Check program assists
with ongoing quality checks of the instrument
(PQ). This demonstrates that it is important to
consider products from a manufacturer that not
only understands your needs, but is also willing to
develop a Partnership for quality.
Vi-CELL Series
Solutions for low and high-throughput environments

The Vi-CELL S (Single Position)

Allows individual sample runs for most all cell types in the size
range of 5 to 70 micron diameter.

The Vi-CELL AS (Auto-Sampler)

Offers identical capabilities with the added feature of a

12-position sample carrousel for increased sample throughput
and enhanced automation.

The Vi-CELL XR (Extended Range)

Offers additional benefits over the S and AS Models:

• Extended size range to 2 microns, allowing additional
analyses of yeast, and smaller cells.

• Increased sample throughput with greater efficiency.

• Reduced sample volume results in less reagent use.

• Auto focus capability increases instrument ease of use.

• Variable aspiration and mixing cycles optimize results.

• Enhanced image magnification (6.75×), provides

unparalleled cellular detail.

• Circularity measurement helps isolate

debris from cells.

The 12-position
‘continuous’
auto-sampler for
Integrated, Validated
high-throughput
Reagent Solutions
environments eliminates
the need to remove • Color coded packs
the carrousel.
• Quick & easy installation
• Validated reproducibility
Features Vi-CELL XR Vi-Cell AS Vi-Cell S Benefits
Auto Sampler Yes Yes No Eliminates need to
remove carrousel
Size Range (µm) 2-70 5-70 Improved measuring range
for small cells and yeast
Sample Volume (mL) 0.5 1 Reduced reagent
consumption, nearly
double the sample runs
Analysis Time (min.) 2.5 3.5 Time savings, increased
throughput
Resolution increased 2x, providing for
• Camera Focus Auto Manual
Imaging better analysis of small cells and yeast.
• Image Collection Firewire Image Frame Grabber Higher resolution improves identification
Technology
• Camera 1394x1040 CCD 640x480 CCD of clustered cells for optimum analysis

Image Zoom Yes No Helps identify and optimize

cell types and cell clustering
Aspiration and Trypan Variable Fixed Helps optimize cell types,
Blue Mixing such as fragile cell lines.
Added mixing helps separate
sticky cells before analysis,
improving results.
Out of Range Yes No Automatically keeps
Concentration Flag operator informed
Filled Dispense Tray Flag Yes No Automatically keeps
operator informed
Bioprocess 3D, Yes No Visually see trend changes
Rotateable Plotting
Export Multi-run Files Yes No Facilitates Data Handling
to MS Excel
Upgraded Audit Trail Yes No Assists in system validation
requirements
Non-viable Cell Yes No Helps in optimizing cell
Declustering types, such as “sticky cell
User-defineable lines” and helps number
Declustering Options cells in clusters
Added Preferences Yes None Assists in system validation
for Secured Users requirements
Enhanced Circularity Yes No Helps in isolating debris
Measurement from sample
 Technical Specifications
Instrument Function:
Concentration Range 5×104 to 1×107 cells/mL
Counting Accuracy: ± 6%*

Operating System Windows® 98, Windows® 2000, Windows® XP

Instrument Type Video imaging through a quartz flow

Power Requirements Power 50 watts (65 Watts Max.)

Voltages 100V, 120V, 220V or 240V 50/60 Hz

Temperature 10° to 40° C (50° to 104° F)

Weight 11.3kg (25lb)

Unit Dimensions (H×W×D) 44.5cm (17.5”) × 38cm (15”) × 41cm (16”)

Ordering Information
Auto Size Range Sample Volume Cycle Time Viability Imaging
Part Number Sample (µM) (mL) (min) Range Technology

731050 Vi-CELL XR Complete System Yes 2-70 0.5 <2.5 0-100 Auto-focus routine
Firewire Camera
1394 × 1040 CCD array
731051 Vi-CELL AS Complete System Yes 5-70 1.0 <3.5 0-100 See Vi-Cell S
731052 Vi-CELL S Complete System No 5-70 1.0 <3.5 0-100 Manual focus routine
Image frame grabber
640 × 480 CCD array
383722 Vi-CELL XR Quad Pack
383198 Vi-CELL AS, S Quad Pack
175478 Vi-CELL Concentration Control
175474 Vi-CELL Focus Control

The Vi-CELL Series – and all our extensive reagent offerings – are an important part of a broad continuum
of Beckman Coulter products, including automated liquid handling, capillary electrophoresis, centrifugation,
ultracentrifugation, DNA sequencing, electrochemistry, flow cytometry, fragment analysis, integrated core
systems, microarrays, particle characterization, scintillation counting, and spectrophotometry.
For information on our comprehensive line of systems, please contact your local Beckman Coulter representative
or visit our web site at www.coulterflow.com

* Against the Coulter Counter reference method

Beckman Coulter, the stylized logo, Vi-CELL and COULTER are registered trademarks of Beckman Coulter, Inc.

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