Platelet Counter for Research Labs

A platelet counter for research labs has different requirements from a clinical analyzer: small sample volumes, a wide concentration range, traceable raw data and a low cost per count. The PC100 counts platelets in 10-20 µl of whole blood, PRP or platelet suspensions, reports a CV and an image of every counted position, and is validated from 20 to 3600 platelets per nanolitre.

Where the PC100 is used in research

• Platelet concentrates and PRP research: characterising preparations, comparing protocols and kits, dose-response studies.
• Platelet function and biology: counting washed platelets or platelet-rich suspensions before aggregation, flow cytometry or release assays.
• Thrombosis and hemostasis: platelet counts in small-volume samples, serial sampling in the same subject.
• Biomaterials and tissue engineering: platelet adhesion and depletion studies where the remaining concentration in the supernatant is measured.
• Field and clinical studies without laboratory access at the study site.

Why researchers choose a dedicated platelet counter

Requirement	PC100	Typical hematology analyzer
Sample volume per count	20 µl blood / 10 µl PRP	Several hundred µl
Concentration range	20-600 plt/nL (blood), 250-3600 plt/nL (PRP)	Optimised for physiological whole-blood ranges
Sample types	Whole blood, PRP; platelet suspensions on request	Whole blood
Raw data	Image of every counted position, CV per duplicate	Numerical result
Availability	On the bench, always ready, no start-up or shutdown	Shared instrument, scheduled runs
Running cost	One disposable kit per count	Reagents, QC material, service contract

Because the PC100 needs no calibration and no cleaning, it can sit on the bench of a research group and be used by any trained member of the team, rather than being booked as a shared core instrument.

Analytical performance

The PC100 was compared with Sysmex XP-300 and XN-9000 analyzers following the CLSI EP9 protocol, in blood of 119 donors and PRP from 74 of them, in a peer-reviewed study in Thrombosis Journal. Correlation coefficients were 0.98 or higher, with no constant or proportional bias in whole blood and a median difference of 1.4% in PRP. Precision, expressed as the CV of duplicate counts, averaged around 2.5% in the whole-blood range. The full paper can be downloaded from our analytical performance page; a summary is on accuracy and precision.

Data handling and traceability

Each measurement produces a report with the platelet concentration of both counting chambers, the CV, counting details and notifications, and a miniature image of every counted position that can be opened in full detail. Reports can be printed or exported, which supports good documentation practice, method sections in publications and audit trails in GLP-like environments. See PC100 platelet count results explained.

Working with non-standard samples

The validated claims cover human venous whole blood in EDTA and PRP. Many research groups also count washed platelets, platelet suspensions in buffer or animal samples. The optical imaging method of the PC100 is in principle suitable for such samples, but they fall outside the CE-marked intended use and should be validated by the user. We are happy to discuss your application and, where useful, to support a validation.

Frequently asked questions