Bio-Rad TC20™ Automated Cell Counter User Manual
Page 12
Fig. 4. Counting slides and trypan blue dye.
Fig. 5. Accessories for the TC20 cell counter.
5
Introduction
Trypan Blue Dye
The Trypan blue dye has been specially formulated for use with the TC20 counter to
provide rapid staining for accurate determination of cell viability. The dye is composed
of filter-sterilized 0.4% trypan blue dye (w/v) in 0.81% sodium chloride and 0.06%
potassium phosphate dibasic solution.
Trypan blue is a vital stain recommended for use in estimating the number of
live and dead cells in the cell suspension. The activity of this dye is based on the
fact that the chromophore is negatively charged and does not react with the internal
region of the cell unless the membrane is damaged. The dye enters into only dead
cells and stains them blue, while live cells have intact cell membranes and remain
bright and unstained.
Thermal Label Printer
The thermal label printer (Figure 5) can be connected to the TC20 cell counter via the
USB port A or USB port B. The printer, which uses a direct thermal printing method,
provides labels with results that can be placed into a laboratory notebook.
System Verification Kit
The verification kit (Figure 5) is available
to verify the instrument’s performance.
The verification kit includes a verification
slide and instructions for use.