Sudeshna works with primary T cell populations, performing complex assays which often take multiple days. The experiments require precise counting of cells to ensure accurate seeding densities for dose-response studies, with even small errors impacting downstream readouts. With experiments taking multiple days, any mistakes can have a significant impact on efficiency in terms of time, money, and resources. Sudeshna previously used a trypan blue-based cell counting platform, but frequently ran into issues. “We noticed that, when primary cells were stressed, we would end up with a lot of debris which affected the cell counts,” Sudeshna explained. “We also saw significant person-to-person variation in results.”
The CytoDirect cell counter Sudeshna received as part of the METTLER TOLEDO Life Science Award has significantly strengthened her ability to perform these assays, improving both accuracy and efficiency. “For someone like me who does hours and hours of cell counts for big experiments, the CytoDirect saves so much time,” Sudeshna explained. “The ability to program the instrument and set a list of predetermined instructions is really great, as it eliminates person-to-person variability, meaning I can hand the system to a colleague while I focus on another step in the experiment.” The CytoDirect’s debris filter feature and advanced visualization tools have also eliminated the problem of debris interfering with cell counts, allowing Sudeshna and the team to obtain accurate results no matter the situation.
Sudeshna works across three projects, involving extensive collaboration with chemistry and engineering teams. This means working across several locations, but the portability of the CytoDirect cell counter ensures consistent results every time. The same instrument can be used for every experiment, and it can be easily sterilized when moving between different labs. “I take my CytoDirect with me wherever I go. I frequently go back and forth between the hospital and the university, and it’s great to be able to carry it with me, and get consistent results no matter where I am.”
