There are plenty of options for compact flow cytometers. The hardware has shrunk to a point where some of these instruments can be held in one hand, making them extremely portable and less expensive than traditional flow cytometers. While these smaller cytometers may not have all the bells and whistles offered by a traditional instrument, they are still capable of providing a robust mechanism for performing the most commonly used applications, such as counting, sorting and viability analysis with an impressive level of accuracy.

Orflo Technologies offers the MoxiFlow, a handheld flow cytometer with one green laser, capable of detecting one color and size. This device comes with a relatively small price tag ($8,500) but features a fully automated, cassette-based operational system that outputs results in 10 seconds.

The Muse Cell Analyzer by MilliporeSigma is another compact flow cytometer with one green laser and two color detectors. It comes with custom software for streamlined analysis of specific assays, has a user friendly touch screen and is priced at around $15,000. MilliporeSigma also supplies the Guava easyCyte flow cytometers, which offer up to 12 detection parameters and use micro-capillary fluidics to consume less sample, eliminate sheath fluid and reduce waste. These instruments come with single, dual and triple laser configuration and are offered with a fully automated, 96-well plate sample loading version.

Thermo Fisher Scientific offers the slightly bulkier Attune NxT flow cytometer, which is based on a modular design that allows users to customize the optics in the field. It is capable of accommodating up to 4 lasers and 14 colors. Its acoustic-assisted, hydrodynamic-focusing technology streamlines sample preparation, making protocols easy and fast.

Instruments from industry giants, like the FC 500 series from Beckman Coulter, and the BD Accuri C6 and DB FACSCelesta from BD Biosciences, also compete in this crowded market segment. These products provide added optical, fluid handling and analysis capabilities, but also come with higher price tags.

Lesser known flow cytometry companies like ACEA Biosciences Miltenyi Biotec, Sony Biotechnology, and Sysmex also provide benchtop flow cytometers. For example, ACEA biosciences introduced the NovoCyte in 2014, which offers laser options with 405 nm, 488 nm 651 nm and 640 nm wavelengths. Distinguishing features of this product are its ability to optimize PMT voltage and 107 dynamic range to enhance signal detection and processing.

The ec800 from Sony Biotechnology offers similar capabilities to most other instruments in this category including customizable laser selection, user-defined and scalable PMTs, and an autoloader capable of handling single tubes along with 10 different plate formats. The ec800 features direct monitoring of particle flow status, signal noise reduction and spectral fingerprinting for each cell.

Compact/Benchtop Flow Cytometers at a Glance:

Leading Suppliers

• BD Biosciences
• Beckman Coulter
• MilliporeSigma

Largest Markets

• Academia
• Hospitals
• Governmentt

Instrument Cost

• $8,500–$50,000