FAQ

Q: What is cell counter?
A: Cell counter is an instrument used to quickly and accurately count the number of cells in a biological sample. It plays an important role in life science research, medical diagnosis, drug development and other fields. Through automation and digitization, it greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of cell counting, reduces human error and saves time and labor costs compared with manual counting.

Q: What is the different between the cell counter results and manual counting?
A: Many steps in manual operation can lead to deviations, as manual counting heavily depends on the operator's skill level. For example, sample collection may not ensure consistent cell numbers each time, and adding the sample can result in uneven distribution. Our cell counter uses intelligent and advanced image recognition algorithm, simple operation and accurate data, which can effectively improve the work efficiency.

Q: Are you manufacturer?
A: Yes, All the device and software of our products are fully self-researched and self-produced.

Q: Can you introduce about “Newtonoptic”?
A: Our company was established in 2018, we are the innovative enterprise focusing on the application of intelligent imaging technology in the life science field, with a focus on cell analysis. Now our company has established a complete R&D, production, and sales system.

Q: What are the main application of your products?
Scientific research, cell culture, drug screening and vaccine production.

Q: What parameter does your cell counter mainly detect?
A: Our cell counter mainly detect the cell concentration, viability, diameters, cluster, growth curve and roundness.

Q: What consumable do you use for your cell counter?
All of our devices use our six-well disposable counting slide, and each company's counting slide is not universal.

Q: Does your cell counter have a fluorescent mode?
A: Our products have bright-field and fluorescence models, according to customer needs to choose different device models.

Q: What is the recommended cell concentration detection range for your cell counter?
A: The detectable range for parameters is 1×10⁴ to 3×10⁷ cells/ml. The optimal detection range we recommend is 5×10⁵ to 5×10⁶ cells/ml.

Q: Do parameters need to be preset for each different type of cell?
A: No, for cells with larger diameters or more conventional cell shapes, parameters can be saved after automatic focusing and named 'Conventional Cells' for direct use. For smaller diameter cells, after automatic focusing, the cell threshold needs to be manually adjusted (typically, the live cell threshold is 220-240, and the dead cell threshold is 230-250), then the parameters can be saved. In future experiments, if cells with similar morphology and diameter are encountered, the preset parameters can be directly applied.

Q: What is the difference between the GPC200 and GPC100 models?
A: The thickness of the GPC200 is 200μm, with a sample volume of 20μl, while the thickness of the GPC100 is 100μm, with a sample volume of 10μl. We recommend using the GPC200 for routine cell types, as it allows for a larger sample volume, resulting in more cells in the image and higher accuracy. For high-concentration or small diameter cells, the GPC100 is recommended, as it ensures sufficient cell capture while effectively preventing cell layering.

Q: The growth curve is created by plotting the cell concentration results of different batches (other indicators can also be selected). For example, in drug screening experiments, the curve can be used to assess the effect of the drug on cell concentration/viability.
A: Cell roundness is a parameter of the cell's outline. The more the cell shape approaches a perfect circle, the roundness value gets closer to 1. Conversely, if the cell shape is more irregular, the roundness value approaches 0.

Q: Does your equipment require regular maintenance?
A: Before the delivery, our equipment undergoes various tests to ensure normal operation. Under normal circumstances, we conduct an annual follow-up to check the equipment's condition and, if needed, perform software upgrades. We will maintain good communication with you.

Q: Can you do the OEM?
A: Yes, we can customize the appearance, packaging, nameplate and the software of the device, the MOQ is more than 10 sets when OEM.

Q: What is your MOQ?
A: 1 PCS for regular model.

Q: What should I do if the device has a technical problem?
A: Our company has a professional production and technical team, will ensure the normal use of the device before delivery, when the device problems we will have a professional after-sales team to provide technical support.

Q: What is your warranty?
A: Our standard warranty period for the equipment is one year. If an extended warranty is needed, an additional 5% of the equipment price will be added each year.

Q: What is your delivery time?
A: About 25~30 days after you confirm the order.

Q: What delivery term do you do?
A: We usually do EXW terms, or we can also arrange delivery to your forwarder, but there is an additional cost of freight.

Q: What payment terms do you do?
A: 100% TT payment or cash before delivery.

Q: There is a deviation between the cell counter test results and manual counting.

A: Many steps in manual operation can lead to deviations, as manual counting heavily depends on the operator's skill level. For example, sample collection may not ensure consistent cell numbers each time, and adding the sample can result in uneven distribution. Using Newtonoptic counting plate makes sample addition easier and more straightforward. The machine employs 5-field imaging to calculate the average, ensuring stable and accurate results.

Q: Do parameters need to be preset for each different type of cell?

A: No, for cells with larger diameters or more conventional cell shapes, parameters can be saved after automatic focusing and named 'Conventional Cells' for direct use. For smaller diameter cells, after automatic focusing, the cell threshold needs to be manually adjusted (typically, the live cell threshold is 220-240, and the dead cell threshold is 230-250), then the parameters can be saved. In future experiments, if cells with similar morphology and diameter are encountered, the preset parameters can be directly applied.

Q: If the cell's condition fluctuates, do the parameters need to be adjusted according to the different states? Otherwise, will there be errors in the results?

A: Under normal circumstances, this is not necessary. Currently, both bright field and fluorescence models have strong parameter compatibility. Generally, the parameters preset the first time can be directly used to complete the counting. After the counting is finished on the device, you can click the 'Mark' option to check if the cells have been correctly identified and circled.

Q: Have you compared the data results between your cell counter and the Countstar model?

A: Yes, we have done comparisons before. All of our models are benchmarked against manual counting, and both the bright field and fluorescence models have been tested and compared with Countstar's IC1000 and Rigel S2. The deviation between the two brands in tests at different concentrations is generally within 5%, and Newton's data is closer to the manual counting results.

Q: What is roundness?

A: Cell roundness is a parameter of the cell's outline. The more the cell shape approaches a perfect circle, the roundness value gets closer to 1. Conversely, if the cell shape is more irregular, the roundness value approaches 0.

Q: What is the recommended cell concentration detection range for your cell counter?

A: The detectable range for parameters is 1×10⁴ to 3×10⁷ cells/ml. The optimal detection range we recommend is 5×10⁵ to 5×10⁶ cells/ml
1×10⁴:ten thousand 3×10⁷: thirty million
5×10⁵ :five hundred thousand 5×10⁶: 5 million

Q: In bright field mode, does the count represent the total cell concentration or the live cell concentration?

A: In bright field mode, the result represents the total cell concentration.

Q: Why is the counting result higher in Trypan Blue mode compared to bright field mode?

A: After Trypan Blue staining, some non-transparent dead cells in bright field mode will also be stained. Trypan Blue mode counts dead cells, so the total cell concentration in Trypan Blue mode may be higher than the total concentration in bright field mode.

Q: What is the significance of the growth curve?

A: The growth curve is created by plotting the cell concentration results of different batches (other indicators can also be selected). For example, in drug screening experiments, the curve can be used to assess the effect of the drug on cell concentration/viability.

Q: If all six slots of the counting slide are not used in one session, how should it be stored?

A: After use, the empty chamber can be marked with a marker pen, and the counting plate should be placed on the machine's guide rail for storage. This effectively prevents dust from attaching to the counting slide.

Q: If you find many particles or dirt in the field of view when using the counting slide again, which interferes with Trypan Blue mode, how can this be resolved?

A: We recommend using a lint-free cloth sprayed with alcohol to gently wipe the surface of the counting slide. After the alcohol evaporates, the slide can be used for further work.

Q: Should I use the GPC100 or GPC200 model for suspension culture cells? Will there be cell layering?

A: In this case, the GPC100 would be a better choice. Due to the thinner thickness of the GPC100 counting slide, it can effectively prevent cell layering.

Q: Why do the concentration and viability results counted in fluorescence mode tend to be higher compared to those in Trypan Blue mode?

A: This specific situation needs to be evaluated based on the image results. Fluorescence mode uses AO/PI dyes to specifically bind to the DNA of the cell nucleus, where only live and dead cells will emit fluorescent signals. In contrast, Trypan Blue can be influenced by cell debris or some opaque impurities, which may result in a higher concentration of dead cells and lower viability overall.

Q: What is the difference between the GPC200 and GPC100 models?

A: The thickness of the GPC200 is 200μm, with a sample volume of 25μl, while the thickness of the GPC100 is 100μm, with a sample volume of 15μl. We recommend using the GPC200 for routine cell types, as it allows for a larger sample volume, resulting in more cells in the image and higher accuracy. For high-concentration or small diameter cells, the GPC100 is recommended, as it ensures sufficient cell capture while effectively preventing cell layering.

Q: Why is Trypan Blue not recommended for counting PBMCs? (For users considering purchasing fluorescence equipment)

A: PBMC stands for Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. If PBMCs are isolated from whole blood, there will often be many residual platelets and red blood cells, leading to significant background impurities that interfere with counting. Additionally, because PBMCs have a small diameter, when mixed with Trypan Blue, even live cells may have Trypan Blue covering the cell membrane, blocking light transmission and potentially being miscounted as dead cells.

Q: Can the counting slide be reused?

A: We generally do not recommend customers reuse the counting slide, especially after staining. If it is not cleaned properly, it can lead to inaccurate results in subsequent counts. However, we have also developed a reusable counting slide, which will be available for sale later.

Q: How long can we try the equipment?

A: We generally recommend a trial period of one week, and it is usually not advised to exceed two weeks.

Q: What is cluster?

A: The cluster reflects the growth state and adhesion ability of cells under culture conditions, but there is currently no specific standard in the industry. In image-based detection, when two cells are sufficiently close together and overlap by two pixels, they are considered cluster cells.

Q: What does this threshold mean?

A: The concept of the threshold is the grayscale value, which is essentially a standard divided into 0-255 levels. If the cell has multiple layers, we increase this standard to help the algorithm accurately identify the cells; if the cell has fewer layers, we decrease this standard to ensure accurate cell recognition by the algorithm.

Q: Is Trypan Blue universal?

A: Yes, Trypan Blue dye is universal. We recommend filtering the 0.4% Trypan Blue purchased from external suppliers using a syringe filter, and then mixing it with PBS in a 1:1 ratio to make a 0.2% Trypan Blue solution for use.

Q: Is AO/PI universal?

A: AO/PI from all brands are closed (reagent kits are generally specific and proprietary).

Q; Does the cell diameter need to be adjusted?

A: For routine cells, it is generally not necessary to adjust. The detection range for cell diameters from 3-50μm already covers most animal cells. For small diameter cells, it may be necessary to set it to 1μm.

Q: Can the FDA software version connect to the internal network?
A: Yes, it is possible. We can work with your company’s IT department engineers to modify the device's communication protocol according to the requirements, allowing data to be uploaded to the company server in the form of a string.

Q: Can the device connect to a printer?

A: Yes, it is possible. If the device is to print directly, we need to install a driver on the device at the time of manufacture. Alternatively, you can export the data report and print it afterwards without any issues.

Q: Is your device a white-label product?

A: All the device and software of our products are fully self-researched and self-produced.

Q: Why is only the GPC200 counting slide used in fluorescence mode?

A: Firstly, the GPC200 counting plate can capture more cells. Secondly, even if small cells experience layering, they will still emit fluorescent signals. Therefore, the GPC200 is suitable for use in fluorescence mode.

Q: What is the role of the cell number, and how is it related to the concentration?

A: the cell count is the total number of cells identified through multiple fields of view in the image, and then the original concentration is calculated back through an algorithm.

Q: What are the advantages of the Tuger?

A: Firstly, it is an all-in-one device with a compact size. Secondly, its efficient and intelligent algorithm allows analysis of each sample to be completed within 10 seconds. Additionally, it uses five-field imaging for the same sample. Lastly, the guide rail enables the counting slide to perform six-channel analysis.

Q: Your device does not have a price advantage than the Thermofisher model.

A: Firstly, our device, offers better performance advantages compared to the Thermofisher model, with higher throughput, more imaging fields, and greater accuracy. Secondly, consumables represent the ongoing usage costs, and Newton's consumables are priced much lower, often just half the cost of them or even lower. Lastly, we provide better product services, including excellent after-sales support and pre-sales demo unit trials.

Q: How much does it cost to add a fluorescence channel as an option for your Tuger device?

A: Each additional fluorescence channel costs 1500USD.

Q: How long is the warranty for your equipment?

A: Our standard warranty period for the equipment is one year. If an extended warranty is needed, an additional 5% of the equipment price will be added each year.

Q: Do you offer 3Q service? Is it free?

A: We can offer 3Q service, but it comes with an additional charge

Q: Are the prices of GPC100 and GPC200 the same?

A: Yes, the price of both model are the same.

Q: Some cells cannot be overly digested and form clumps. How are these counted?

A: The algorithm will segment and count the clumped cells that can be differentiated.

Q: Can you introduced about your company Newtonoptic Research Institute?

A: Our company was established in 2018. After years of development and accumulation, our products, both hardware and software, have become highly mature. We have also gained many benchmark users. According to statistics from a third-party organization, our products ranked first in sales in Guangdong Province and third nationwide in 2023.

Q: What’s the price of the Tunin and other devices?

A: Now we are looking for a reliable partner to expand the oversea market, so we can give you a competitive price of our devices, and we can provide technical support to support your sales process.

Q: What is the price of your consumables?

A: For both of the model, the price will be all 120 USD/boxes, and 50 pcs in one box.

Q: Does the devices need to adjust the focus every time before do the experiment?

A: No, for routine cells in the laboratory, once the focus and parameters are initially set, the focus does not need to be adjusted again in subsequent experiments. Only minor adjustments may be needed if the cell state changes.

Q: Does your equipment require regular maintenance?

A: Before the delivery, our equipment undergoes various tests to ensure normal operation. Under normal circumstances, we conduct an annual follow-up to check the equipment's condition and, if needed, perform software upgrades. We will maintain good communication with you.

Q: Will leaving the counting slide inside the device after use affect next counting?

A: No, even if Trypan Blue or cell suspension evaporates, only the moisture evaporates, and the solid particles will remain on the counting slide. Additionally, leaving it on the guide rail can effectively prevent the counting slide from accumulating dust. Therefore, we recommend leaving the counting slide inside the device if it has not been fully used.

Q: Can the counting slide be inserted into the device when it is turned off?

A: It is recommended to insert the counting slide after powering on the device. When the device is not powered, the motorized guide rail has not yet reset, which could cause the counting slide to fall inside the device. We advise inserting the counting slide only after the device is powered on and the system is running.

Q: Do both layers of the protective film on the consumables need to be removed when adding the sample?

A: When adding the sample, we only need to remove the top layer of the protective film first. After adding the sample, the bottom protective film can be removed. This helps prevent dust from getting on the surface, and then the counting slide can be inserted into the device.
 

Q: Does this device only allow guest login? What should I do if I want to create my own account?

A: General version: The first time you enter a username and password, a new account will be created. FDA version: You need to log in as an administrator to create a new account.

Q: Can data be deleted or modified in the FDA version? What should be done if the device memory is full?

A: In the FDA version, data cannot be deleted or modified. If the data storage is full, we can back up the existing data and then reinstall the software.

Q: What is the memory capacity of your device?

A: Our device has a capacity of 128GB. After deducting the system software, it can store up to 100000 data entries.

Q: Why don't you pre-set the parameters? This way, we could use it directly as soon as it's delivered.
A: Even for the same type of cells, their state, morphology, and size can vary between different laboratories. Additionally, transportation of the equipment may cause the focal plane to shift. Adjusting the settings on-site at the laboratory ensures the best results.

Q: Since the GPC100 has a smaller sample volume, why is it not commonly used and why is the GPC200 more commonly used?

A: At the same concentration, the number of cells observed in the field of view with the GPC100 is smaller. Therefore, when the concentration is lower than 2*10^5 cells/ml, the error with the GPC100 will be larger. The GPC100 is more suitable for detecting samples with a diameter smaller than 10 µm or high-concentration samples.

Q: Your counting slide are 200μm or 100μm deep, while the cell diameter is only a few micrometers to tens of micrometers. Will the cells layer?

A: No, the part of our counting slide that contacts the sample is made of glass material with hydrophilic properties. After adding the sample, it quickly spreads to the other end. Additionally, we have observed under the microscope that the cells are mostly in the same layer. Furthermore, our camera has sufficient depth of field to support observation on a single plane.