Q: We're here to celebrate the one-year birthday of the Cellometer™ Ascend™. Before we dive into that, could you introduce yourself?
A: Of course! My name is Charles Hernandez, and I’m the North American Field Application Scientist Manager for cell counting and image cytometry at Revvity. I’ve been working with cell counters for a little over six years. After earning my Ph.D. in Genetics from Yale, I joined Nexcelom right after graduation and transitioned into Revvity following its acquisition of Nexcelom. I really enjoy my role, especially interacting directly with customers and helping them find solutions. I live in the greater Los Angeles area and frequently travel throughout the state to support the Field Application Team, and regularly visit our BioLegend Campus in San Diego.
Q: The Cellometer Ascend was introduced at the AACR 2024 conference. Why and how was it developed?
A: The Cellometer Ascend was developed as part of our ongoing dedication to improving cell counting technology. The Cellometer line was originally created by Nexcelom, and now, with Revvity, we have greater resources to enhance and modernize the instrument.
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We listened closely to customer feedback and identified three key areas to improve.
First, we added autofocus capability, meaning customers no longer need to manually focus, significantly reducing errors and enhancing accuracy. Second, we expanded the concentration range. The Cellometer Ascend now analyzes samples from as low as 20,000 cells/mL and up to 40 million cells/mL removing the need for dilution steps.
And thirdly, we increased sample throughput. Previously, only one sample could be analyzed at a time. Now, customers can process up to eight samples simultaneously, making workflows more efficient, especially for busy labs.
We were certain these areas would make it a successful tool for researchers and lab technicians - and for us.
Q: What are customers most excited about?
A: Customers have been very enthusiastic about the ability to accurately count low-concentration samples. Previous Cellometer models required a minimum concentration of 100,000 cells/mL, but the Cellometer Ascend can handle concentrations as low as 20,000 cells/mL, making their workflow much simpler.
Additionally, users love the new “favorites” function, allowing them to quickly save and access their preferred settings with one click, simplifying setup and making the instrument incredibly user-friendly.
Q: What types of labs are adopting the Cellometer Ascend?
A: It’s great to see the strong interest from academic institutions. Researchers working in basic science and various research labs have found great value in the Cellometer Ascend’s flexibility and ease of use. Moreover, our existing users appreciate that the Cellometer Ascend offers advanced technology in an accessible format, allowing more customers to integrate it into their routine work.
Q: What are customers’ first impressions?
A: Customers immediately comment on its sleek design, but they're truly surprised by how intuitive it is. They quickly realize how easy it is to load a sample and obtain results within seconds.
Q: Can you discuss some of the software features?
A: The software has been designed with simplicity in mind. The favorites function I mentioned earlier is particularly popular because users can save preset configurations for common samples, making their workflow quicker and easier. We also included a library of over 2,000 cell types, helping users quickly identify and count their samples without extensive setup.
Q: What slide options are available, and how does this benefit users?
A: Users have a choice between 3-chamber slides, ideal for low-concentration samples, requiring just 20,000 cells/mL, and 8-chamber slides designed for higher throughput, counting multiple samples simultaneously with only 10 µL per sample. This flexibility helps users adapt to their specific needs effortlessly.
Revvity Cellometer Ascend R&D team, Lawrence MA.
Q: What are some best practices customers should keep in mind?
A: It’s important to select the appropriate counting method based on cell type. For example, some cells respond better to fluorescent staining compared to traditional brightfield imaging. Using the right approach ensures accurate results, preventing costly mistakes later in the workflow.
Q: How has your experience been transitioning from a smaller company like Nexcelom to a larger organization like Revvity?
A: It’s been great. We have more resources and a broader team, allowing us to better support customers. It’s exciting to have so much support and the opportunity to provide customers with solutions beyond just cell counting.
Q: Where are you when you’re not helping customers count their cells?
A: I have two young boys who keep me very busy. When I’m not working, I’m usually playing with them or trying to find new ways to keep them entertained. They have endless energy.
Q: So… are you also counting Legos?
A: Haha exactly. My expertise in cell counting carries over to counting tiny plastic bricks all over my house!
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Watch this on-demand webinar for a detailed demonstration of the Cellometer Ascend automated cell counter - the benchtop instrument offering fast analysis and reliable cell counts with small sample volumes.
Equipped with Matrix™ software, the Cellometer Ascend has multiple pre-defined assays, can analyze numerous cell types, and is 21 CFR Part 11 ready.
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
