Waters has announced the commercial global launch of the BD FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer, a flow cytometry platform designed to combine spectral resolution and sensitivity with instrument standardisation and automated workflows. The system is intended for researchers in academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies and Contract Research Organisations (CROs).

The FACSDiscover A7 expands the BD FACSDiscover range of flow cytometers and incorporates BD SpectralFX Technology, also used in the BD FACSDiscover A8 Cell Analyzer. The technology supports up to five lasers and 78 fluorescence detectors, enabling analysis of more than 50 characteristics of an individual cell.

The analyzer also incorporates FACSTruQ Technology, which provides automated instrument calibration, setup and quality control. According to the company, the system is designed to support consistency across instruments, users and sites, with a coefficient of variation of less than 10 percent across more than 50 dyes.

The platform is paired with BD FACSChorus Software, which provides guided workflows, and an integrated autoloader to support standardised experimental procedures.

Cheryl Kim, Senior Director, Flow Cytometry Core, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, said the FACSDiscover A7 would support the institute's researchers by enabling the use of spectral data with greater standardisation for immunology research.

Steve Conly, Senior Vice President, Waters Biosciences, Waters Corporation, said the FACSDiscover A7 combines spectral performance and standardisation and is intended for applications ranging from biomarker discovery to drug development. He added that the system builds on the capabilities of the BD FACSDiscover platform and addresses laboratory requirements for reproducibility across instruments, reagents and informatics.

The BD FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer is now commercially available globally and can be ordered through local representatives.