With Cellomics iQ, scientists get to the right number of cells sooner, plate after plate, increasing productivity and reproducibility of results to reduce the risk of a failed screen. The diagram below describes the typical workflow using the Cellomics iQ method as compared to off-line or primitive on-line cell counting systems.

Without Cellomics iQ

• Scan throughput time increases
• Analysis time increases
• Unnecessary image and data file transfer bandwidth is used
• Unnecessary image and data file storage space is used

According to established international guidelines for in vitro micronucleus assays, a cell can only be scored as positive/negative if it meets a variety of prescribed criteria¹. Such a cell is termed a "targeted cell." In addition, the guidelines prescribe that ≥1,000 targeted cells be scored in each sample (i.e. each well in this assay format).

Experimental Approach

In this experiment, we used the Cellomics iQ approach to collect 1000 binucleated cells for evaluation of the presence of a micronuclei. The graph in figure 2 shows that to achieve 1,000 cells per well in a dose response experiment of a genotoxic agent (Mitomycin), you must increase the number of fields imaged in order to achieve 1,000 cells across the dose.

Figure 2. Mitomcyin C dose response curve (red) and fields to achieve 1000 targeted cells (Green)

1. "Targeting" of cells can be applied to a myriad of different biologies where the selection of a target population for analysis is desired rather than the entire population
2. Selecting only the number of fields will lead to poor assay results in wells that show response variability

How can iQ save money?

The dramatic impact of having the right number of objects is realized when screening. Since compounds, siRNA’s, or small molecules can cause high variability in response, having the ability to use intelligent acQuisition and calculate the number of objects during the scan is critical to optimize an assay and increase the efficiency of an HCS instrument.

iQ leads to quicker, cheaper and more efficient decision making.

¹OECD GUIDELINE FOR THE TESTING OF CHEMICALS DRAFT PROPOSAL FOR A NEW GUIDELINE 487:In Vitro Micronucleus Test http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/60/28/32106288.pdf

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Micronucleus - LC01581300