Description

The need for monitoring and documenting the consistency of optical system performance relating to field illumination evenness has grown with the demand for production level image-based cell analysis tools. The optical train of automated imaging systems is a complicated series of light transmitting and light gathering devices that are subject to slight changes with usage over time. Commonly, these changes manifest as subtle alterations in the illumination pattern within an image field.

The OptiTracker Optical Performance Monitoring Reagent Solution, when used in conjunction with the automated illumination correction wizard on the ArrayScan® HCS Reader (versions 3.1 4.0 and VTI), comprises a homogenous fluorescent reagent standard that is to monitor illumination evenness. The fluorescent solution produces a stable calibration plate that can be used by ArrayScan customers to monitor and report on changes in the uniformity of fluorescence across an image field.).

Illumination Correction Image Acquisition Report

The reporting feature of the illumination correction function on the ArrayScan HCS Reader describes the uniformity of fluorescence across the image field in terms of the % COV of the average pixel intensity. The performance of the filters is defined by the combination of exposure time and % Image Saturation. The performance of all combinations of objectives and filters are reported and are depicted above as Scan Numbers 1-4. Lastly, the performance of the optical system is Passed or Failed with instructions on resolving problems that may exist.

The OptiTracker Reagent Solution is a stable cocktail of fluorescent dyes that are active across the entire spectral defection range. In this regard, the performance of the entire optical train from light source to emission filter may be monitored according to a scheduled routine.

Common causes of optical performance alterations include optical train contaminations such as dust, fingerprints on objectives and filters, as well as lamp age, prolonged filter use, vibrations and instrument movement.

Features

• Stable homogenous fluorescent cocktail for illumination uniformity measurements
  
• Fluorescent in all optical channels for complete optical train monitoring
  
• Reference plate can be stored and is stable for several months
  
• Systems diagnostics wizard identifies potential data problems
  

Benefits

• Ready to use reagent with minimal handling required
  
• Provides automated flat field correction that can be enabled by the user as needed
  
• Allows for on-demand instrument health monitoring
  

Kit Components

• Optical protocol with plate recommendations
  
• OptiTracker (TM) Reagent Solution
  
• Plate Seals
  
• Plate Labels

* For ordering information in the US please contact us at 888-Bio-Sci-1. For international inquires please contact us at +1 412-770-2200 or in Europe, toll free at +00 800 73 72 46 48.

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