CytKick™ Autosampler

The CytKick Autosampler is for use with the Attune NxT Acoustic Focusing Cytometer. It enables rapid processing of multiple samples by automatically analyzing samples from 96- and 384-well plates (standard and deep). A computer is not included with the autosampler since one is provided with the cytometer. For added speed and tube/plate compatibility, please see the CytKick Max Autosampler.

Features of the CytKick Autosampler include:
• Reliable—intelligent probe design minimizes clogging and carryover (0.5%) and prevents damage to the instrument
• Mixing by aspiration—mixing of sample by aspiration instead of shaking ensures homogeneity of the sample and maintains cell viability
• Easy transition—no disassembly, no additional QC, no reboot required for conversion between plates and tubes
• Maximum compatibility—96- and 384-well plates (standard and deep)
• Auto-cleaning—performs automated cleaning when the instrument is shutting down

Reliable
The CytKick Autosampler was designed to minimize system down time. Automated sampling devices are often plagued by clogging or probe crashes. The Intelligent Probe, with a 200-micron diameter that is larger than most probes available in the industry, minimizes instances of clogging.

To prevent probe crashes, which may require expensive probe replacement, the CytKick Autosampler automatically performs a probe self-calibration to help ensure consistent positioning of the probe within every well. The self-calibration verifies proper function of the probe, reduces variability in probe positioning over time to prevent failures during plate runs, and helps improve reliability over the life of the system. Self-calibration of the probe also allows the autosampler to be easily moved, so it can be shared between multiple instruments.

Maximum compatibility
The CytKick Autosampler allows the use of many different plate formats, including 96-, 384-, and deep-well plates. In addition, the CytKick Autosampler initiates automated cleaning procedures when the instrument is shutting down to help ensure proper maintenance with little user interaction.

Mixing by aspiration
Unlike other plate loaders that mix samples by shaking, which may not ensure homogeneity of the sample, the CytKick Autosampler mixes samples by aspiration and stirring, enabling uniform mixing while preserving sample viability and resulting in consistent data with CVs less than 10% across the plate.

Easy to transition
To maintain system flexibility, the manual sample probe is always accessible even when the loader is present, and switching between tubes and plates is detected via software and does not require additional user intervention.

Simple to operate
The instrument design and software were developed with customer ease-of-use in mind. The CytKick Autosampler has fluidic bottles with sensors that inform the user when the fluids need to be replaced. The autosampler’s indicator lights and warning systems have been designed to ensure that a user who has walked away from the system can easily see the system status at all times.

Setting up an experiment with the Attune NxT cytometric software is simple. Using a plate layout view, users can create compensation wells, define instrument settings, and identify samples. The intuitive software allows quick learning and data analysis. For example, a heat map view allows rapid screening and confirmation of samples while the instrument is acquiring data.

Autocleaning of autosampler is done during the instrument shutdown process therefore no additional user steps are required to maintain system.