10
CASY TT Operator‘s Guide
1. INTRODUCTION
The CASY System is a development based on extensive experience gained in analytical working
methods in the fields of cytobiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and physics. Its ergonomic and
easy operation were developed specifically for day-to-day, routine use. Standardized cell counting
methods and accurate measurement of cell viability, cell aggregation, and cell volume with high
measuring range dynamics make the CASY Cell Counter and Analyzer an indispensable tool for the
qualitative and quantitative assessment of cell cultures.
1.1 Functionality
The features of the CASY Cell Counter and Analyzer are cell counting and cell analyzing. The
analyzing function additionally determines parameters which are important for the quality control
of cell cultures. These include:
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High-resolution size distribution
The size distribution of a cell culture is a typical characteristic and serves as a fingerprint of the
status of the cells.
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Cell volume
The cell volume is precisely measured by the CASY Cell Counter and Analyzer. Based on the cell
volume, the corresponding cell diameter is calculated.
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Aggregation correction
Determination of the mean degree of cell aggregation. The aggregation factor is used to calculate
the total number of single cells, including cells in cell clusters (aggregation correction).
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Viability determination
Viability of mammalian cell lines and primary cells, when analyzed in monoculture, is measured
by a non-invasive method, the electrical current exclusion method. However, there can be situa-
tions where viability determination using electrical current exclusion is not possible (see section
Viability Determination using Electrical Current Exclusion
).
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Debris
Small debris particles originating from cell destruction or extracellular matrix (cell debris) can be
recognized and quantified beside the cell populations by the CASY Cell Counter and Analyzer.
The contamination by cell debris is used as an additional parameter for the quality control of the
cell culture.
The calibration of the CASY Cell Counter and Analyzer is factory certified and non-changeable by the
user, offering a very high level of standardization. This guarantees that the results can be compared
from user-to-user, from lab-to-lab, from day to day and from instrument-to-instrument.
Functionality
