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Thermo Scientific Invitrogen Countess 3 FL User Manual

Thermo Scientific Invitrogen Countess 3 FL
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For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Countess
3 FL Automated Cell Counter
USER GUIDE
Catalog Number AMQAF2000
Publication Number MAN0019567
Revision B.0

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Thermo Scientific Invitrogen Countess 3 FL Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandThermo Scientific
ModelInvitrogen Countess 3 FL
CategoryLaboratory Equipment
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Chapter 1 Product Information

Product Description

Details the features and capabilities of the Countess™ 3 FL Automated Cell Counter.

Instrument Receiving and Registration

Covers initial inspection, part verification, and instrument registration procedures.

Exterior Instrument Parts Overview

Identifies and describes the external components and ports of the instrument.

Chapter 2 Installation

Operating Environment and Installation

Specifies environmental requirements and steps for installing the instrument.

Initial Instrument Power-On

Guides through the first-time power-on and setup screens of the instrument.

Signing In with a New Connect Account

Explains how to link the instrument to a new Thermo Fisher Connect account.

Signing In with an Existing Connect Account

Describes the process for logging into an existing Thermo Fisher Connect account.

Chapter 3 Templates

Templates Screen Overview

Introduces the interface for creating, loading, and managing custom templates.

Template Functions and Parameters

Covers actions like edit, import, export, delete, and parameter adjustments.

Managing Templates: Load, Create, Edit

Provides instructions on loading, creating, and editing custom templates for cell counting.

Importing Templates

Details the process for importing templates from Cloud or USB.

Exporting Templates

Details the process for exporting templates to Cloud or USB.

Deleting Templates

Explains how to remove custom templates from the instrument.

Chapter 4 Slide Preparation and Operation

Sample Preparation Recommendations

Offers guidelines for optimal cell sample preparation and handling.

Loading Cell Counting Chamber Slides

Step-by-step guide for preparing and loading disposable Countess™ slides.

Loading Reusable Slides

Instructions for preparing and loading the Countess™ Reusable Slide for cell counting.

Chapter 5 Cell Count and Cell Viability Assays

Brightfield Counting: Capture and Count

Covers the primary method for counting cells using brightfield illumination.

Post-Count Analysis and Next Steps

Outlines actions after a count, like identifying cells, viewing histograms, gating, and saving.

Viewing Brightfield Results

Explains how to interpret results displayed on the screen after a brightfield count.

Identifying Counted Objects

Describes how to identify and review counted cells on the results screen.

Identifying Live and Dead Cells

Details how to visually distinguish and mark live vs. dead cells in the results.

Histogram Analysis

Explains how to view cell distribution based on size for live/dead cells.

Gating for Parameter Adjustment

Covers adjusting count parameters (size, brightness, circularity) using gating controls.

Saving Custom Count Parameters

Instructions for saving adjusted count parameters as new or updated templates.

Chapter 6 Fluorescence Assays

Fluorescence Assay Overview

Introduces the use of EVOS™ light cubes for various fluorescence applications.

Fluorescence Counting Procedure

Step-by-step guide for performing cell counts using fluorescence assays.

Setting Fluorescence Exposure

Details how to adjust exposure settings for fluorescence channels.

Capturing Fluorescence Images

Explains how to select channels and initiate the count for fluorescence assays.

Next Steps in Fluorescence Assays

Actions to take after a fluorescence count, including analysis and saving.

Viewing Fluorescence Results

Explains how to interpret results, identify cells, and perform further analysis.

Identifying Fluorescently Counted Cells

How to identify and review cells counted in specific fluorescence channels.

Fluorescence Histogram Analysis

Viewing cell distribution by size or fluorescence intensity for fluorescence assays.

Gating Results in Fluorescence Assays

Adjusting fluorescence gating parameters like intensity and size.

Saving Fluorescence Parameters

How to save custom parameter settings for fluorescence assays as templates.

Chapter 7 Calculators

Pre-Dilution Calculator

Tool to calculate sample dilutions before loading for counting.

Cell Splitting Calculator

Tool to determine sample and buffer amounts for desired cell concentrations.

Chapter 8 Save Results

Saving Experiments: Options and Procedure

Details available options (Result, Images, CSV, Report, FCS) and steps for saving data.

Generating Reports

How to create a printer-friendly PDF report of assay results, graphs, and images.

Chapter 9 Settings Overview

Settings Screen and Wireless Connectivity

Navigating settings and connecting the instrument to a wireless network.

Software Update Procedures

Steps for updating the instrument's software via USB or Connect account.

Setting Date and Time

Instructions on how to configure the instrument's date and time settings.

Changing Cloud Region Settings

How to select and change the instrument's cloud region.

Chapter 10 Change EVOS™ Light Cubes

Installing or Changing EVOS™ Light Cubes

Step-by-step guide for installing or replacing EVOS™ light cubes.

Chapter 11 Maintenance

Instrument Care and Power Supply

Guidelines for maintaining the instrument and using the correct power supply.

Cleaning the Instrument

General guidance on cleaning the instrument to maintain performance.

Cleaning the Touchscreen

Specific instructions for cleaning the instrument's touchscreen display.

Cleaning the Instrument Case

Procedures for cleaning the exterior case of the instrument.

Decontaminating the Instrument

Methods for decontaminating the instrument, including using 70% alcohol.

Appendix A Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Illumination and Autofocus

Addresses issues with uneven screen illumination and autofocus problems.

Troubleshooting Cell Count Inclusion

Solutions for cells appearing in images but not included in counts.

Troubleshooting Fluorescence Brightness

Advice for issues with extremely bright fluorescence and bleeding.

Troubleshooting Concentration and Pipetting

Addresses incorrect concentration readings and variable counts due to pipetting.

Troubleshooting Replicate Counts and Slide Handling

Solutions for variability in replicate counts and issues with slide handling.

Troubleshooting Cell Viability Accuracy

Guidance on accurate identification of live vs. dead cells and effects of trypan blue exposure.

Troubleshooting USB Drive Recognition

Steps to resolve issues where the USB drive is not recognized by the instrument.

Troubleshooting Software Updates

Solutions for problems encountered during software update processes.

Appendix B Technical Specifications

Physical Characteristics

Details the physical dimensions, weight, power, and environmental operating conditions.

Instrument Technical Specifications

Lists processing time, concentration ranges, sample volume, firmware, and USB drive compatibility.

Optics Specifications

Information on the instrument's optical channels and camera specifications.

Analysis Slide Specifications

Details the material, dimensions, and chamber volume of the analysis slides.

Appendix C EVOS™ Light Cubes

EVOS™ Light Cube System

Explains the LED light source and introduces the concept of EVOS™ light cubes.

Appendix D Countess™ 3 FL Instruments and Accessories

Instrument Product Catalog

Lists the main instrument and its accessories with catalog numbers.

Accessory Product Catalog

Lists consumable accessories like slides and stains with catalog numbers.

Appendix E CSV File Format Definition

CSV File Overview and General Data

Explains the CSV format and defines general data categories and columns.

CSV File Format: Fluorescence Data Fields

Details the CSV columns related to fluorescence assay data.

CSV File Format: Trypan Blue/Brightfield Data Fields

Defines CSV columns for brightfield analysis, such as cell size, brightness, and circularity.

Appendix F Safety

General Safety Precautions

Outlines essential safety practices for laboratory personnel using the instrument.

Chemical Handling and Safety

Provides guidelines for safe handling of chemicals, waste, and potential biohazards.

Biological Hazard Safety

Addresses potential biohazards and necessary precautions when working with biological samples.

Appendix G Documentation and Support

Customer and Technical Support Resources

Information on how to contact support, access FAQs, and find product documentation.

Limited Product Warranty Information

Details regarding the warranty terms and conditions for the product.

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