Beckman Coulter Vi-Cell BLU Automated Cell Viability and Concentration Counter

The Beckman Coulter Vi-Cell BLU is an automated cell viability counter that employs the Trypan Blue dye exclusion method for precise and reproducible measurement of *cell viability* and *cell concentration*. Optimized for biotechnology and molecular cell culture workflows, it replaces manual hemocytometer counting by integrating imaging and analysis to reduce user variability among multiple operators and labs.

Key technical features include:

• Viability range: 0–100% and concentration range: 50,000–15,000,000 cells/mL, supporting a wide dynamic range suitable for bioprocessing and molecular diagnostics.
• Sample loading flexibility with a 24-position carousel or a 96-well plate, enabling switch between low and high throughput without instrument change—essential for gene editing and synthetic biology projects requiring regular culture monitoring.
• Sample volume: 170 µL in FAST mode, 200 µL in Normal mode, conserving valuable cell cultures during multiple timepoint assessments.
• Particle size analysis capability from 2 to 60 µm, suitable for various cell types used in live-cell imaging and biomanufacturing studies.
• Environmental operating temperature between 13°C and 37°C, accommodating standard cell culture conditions in clinical diagnostics and biomedical engineering labs.
• Compact benchtop footprint (17 x 22 x 18 inches) with integrated touchscreen controller and built-in computer running proprietary Vi-Cell BLU software for streamlined operation.

The system includes RFID tracking for reagent pack consumables, ensuring consistent reagent usage and expiration management critical in molecular cloning and long-term bioprocess monitoring. Its automated workflow supports repeated viability gates before critical downstream steps like transfection, banking, and assay preparation in synthetic biology and biopharmaceutical production pipelines.

This instrument is widely adopted in cell culture facilities for its accuracy, reproducibility, and versatility across biotechnology applications related to cell health assessment, viability analysis, and concentration quantification, making it an essential tool for molecular biology researchers and clinical diagnostics laboratories.