ChemoMetec NucleoCounter, User Manual, Page: 23 / 76

2 Introducing the NucleoCounter
6
Refer to chapter 5 with respect to the operation of the
instrument.
2.1.1 Fluorescence microscope
The compact fluorescence microscope integrated in the
NucleoCounter comprises LED´s (light emitting diodes) as
excitation light source, excitation and emission filters,
optics (lenses) and a CCD (charged coupled device) camera.
Furthermore, the NucleoCounter contains advanced software for
image processing. The fluorescence microscope, with a cassette
inserted, is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3. The NucleoCounter´s compact fluorescence microscope
Before the NucleoCounter fluorescence microscope is activated a
NucleoCassette is loaded with sample and inserted into the
insertion slit of the instrument. The lid is closed in order to
exclude external light from interfering with the analysis. The
measurement is activated, by pressing the “
Run
” button.
When “
Run
” is activated, the actuator moves the piston rod down
through the cylinder of the cassette. Hereby, the stained
lyzate mixture is transported through the flow system of the
cassette. The form and dimensions of the flow channels
facilitate effective mixing of lyzate mixture and stain.
Sensors monitor the liquid flow, and when the stained lyzate
mixture has reached the measurement chamber of the cassette,
the actuator stops the piston movement.