Surge Expected in Personal Flow Cytometry Market

The use of flow cytometers in biotech research laboratories should get a boost after the acquisition of a pioneer manufacturer of personal flow cytometers by one of the major international medical technology companies.

Flow cytometry is a method of sorting and measuring types of cells by fluorescent labeling of markers on the surface of the cells. Accuri Cytometers, Inc. (Ann Arbor, MI, USA) was founded to address a compelling need: life scientists love the rapid cell-by-cell analysis capability of flow cytometers, but too few have a flow cytometer in their laboratory. The barriers for most researchers include cost of the instrument, complexity of the software, effort required for maintenance, and the large amount of bench space required for the instrument.

Accuri Cytometers developed the C6, a system so easy to operate and maintain that a dedicated operator is not required. New C6 users can be trained in less than 30 minutes. The C6 employs laboratory-grade water for sheath fluid so commercial sheath fluids are not needed. Maintenance is made simple with automatic rinse and decontamination upon instrument shutdown. No room renovations are required to install a C6, since it fits easily on the benchtop and uses standard electrical connections. The C6 is small enough to fit into every lab and can even be placed in a laminar flow hood

To secure a firm place at the head of the flow cytometry parade, Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) (Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) has acquired Accuri Cytometers. BD is a global medical technology company that is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the diagnosis of infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing drug discovery. BD develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory instruments, antibodies, reagents, and diagnostic products. It serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, and the pharmaceutical industry.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011.

"Making flow cytometry more accessible to a wider audience of scientists and clinicians is one aspect of our cell analysis growth strategy,” said William Rhodes, president of BD Biosciences. "With its small footprint, ease of use and affordable price, the Accuri flow cytometer enables the adoption of flow cytometry by a broad range of researchers whom BD does not currently serve.”

Related Links:
Accuri Cytometers, Inc.
Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)