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1) It seems like Mac users like BD, and PC users like Coulter. It is just
the nature of the beast. Any software program can be learned. The best
way to test user friendliness is to have a side by side demonstration.
2)Service. All instruments go down. I believe this can be based on an
individual basis as far as representation. Some people are more personable
and know their stuff better then others. Again, luck of the draw. I have
worked with the XLs since they have been first released (Helene Paxton had
the original released XL and I was in her lab). If you follow the
recommended cleaning procedure and do not get lazy you will have less
problems. The XL is nice because it has two sets of sample probes- one on
the automated carousel and one on the manual side. It is like having an
automatic backup if there is a plugging issue(as long as it is not in the
flow cell itself- which is extremely rare unless you do not filter your
tissue samples!). The XL has also been field tested for 4 years. The
Calibur was shown at ISAC in Lake Placid going on three years ago. What is
the actual ratio of field XLs to Caliburs? I believe that Coulter does
have a larger share of automated field instrumentation.
3)The second laser. Is it necesary to your needs? How many more
significant monoclonal combinations can be made with APC? I have found the
most experiments can be easily done with just the 488 Argon. If you need
more then that, then you should look into purchasing a FacsVantage or an
Elite.
4) Coulter's original software did not have easy listmode analysis. Some
comments that you received were from people still using this earlier
version. Coulter's SYSTEM II SOFTWARE is much more flexible with listmode
files. You CAN create listmode reports and very easily batch samples. It
now has three levels of autogating. There is color analysis, this can be
used in realtime for live backgating. They are now showing the windows
based sofftware (Expo). It has many nice features but I cannot comment on
this for I have not had an opportunity to use it for more then 5 minutes.
>From my understanding it should be released in the imminent future.
Again, you need an on-site demonstration of the software.
5)I have found that the XL is a good walk away instrument for real time
analysis of basic HIV panels (CD3,4,8,19,56). You may have to replay 1
patient listmode for every 25 of realtime results. This is a very good
ratio, actually I have run many carousels through with good real time
results. For reticulocytes, you can't beat it! Again, automation is
related to sample type and application. It is much easier to automate
basic subset markers then it is for an entire graft evaluation panel- no
matter which company. The XL has a bar code reader and a worklist, I
believe the Calibur has a worklist but no barcode reader.
6)Applications. The XL is very flexible. I have found it very easy to set
up and modify experiments. It is excellent for immunophenotyping, DNA
analysis, and reticulocytes. These are the primary applications that I
have used the XL for but there are many more. Coulter has a product called
FlowCount. This gives you the flexibility to do flow absolute counts on
practically any monoclonal combination you can think of. You may want to
get more specifics on this product if you are interested in absolute
counts. Also, Coulter now markets all Immunotech products- this gives you
flexibility and buying power if you enter into a reagent rental or lease
agreement.
7) The XL is PC based and should be able to be readily networked to your
LIS system.
8) Prep. I love the Multi-Q-Prep. It is great for immunophenotyping. It
is compatible with both Coulter and BD instrumentation. It saves tons of
tech time.
9) Listen to everything, but when it comes to making an actual decision you
should definately have a side by side demonstration. During this
demonstration run sample types and applications that you will be routinely
performing. Run the samples on both instruments. Then you decide which
instrument best suites your needs.
Hope it helps.
Joe.
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CD-ROM Vol 3 was produced by Monica M. Shively and other staff at the
Purdue University Cytometry Laboratories and distributed free of charge
as an educational service to the cytometry community.
If you have any comments please direct them to
Dr. J. Paul Robinson, Professor & Director,
PUCL, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
Phone: (765)-494-0757;
FAX(765) 494-0517;
Web