Guava PCA Base System

The files are generated in FCS 3.0 format and can be exported to FCS 2.0 format which is compatible with many third party cytometry post-acquisition analysis software packages.

Yes, the laptop can be readily connected to your internal network and to the Internet. Since we can help you with training and troubleshooting issues by Internet “desktop sharing” technology, we prefer that your laptop is connected to your network so we can communicate in this fashion.

Yes. Each laptop contains an attachment for a security cable lock.

The laptop is specifically configured and optimized to run the system hardware and software, so Guava Technologies does not recommend use of other computers.

The internal dimension of the capillary is 100 microns on a side. Handling large or clumpy cells or samples with a lot of debris predisposes the capillary to clogging. However, all Guava Systems have a Clean and Shut Down Software Module, a Quick Clean Cleaning Cycle, and a Backflush Command that, when regularly used, will keep the capillary open. Use of the Guava® Instrument Cleaning Fluid (ICF) will also keep the capillary free of accumulated cell clumps and subcellular debris often associated with the collection of cell culture samples. If needed, the user can manually syringe water or ICF through the flow cell to clean the capillary. The flow cell is user-replaceable and self-aligning.

Due to its advanced capillary-based flow technology, virtually any scientist or clinician can learn to use a Guava System within one day. Guava Technologies will provide on-site training at the time of installation. You will generally be up and running within a few hours.

Depending on the instrument platform, they have from three to six parameters.

All systems have a solid state diode laser which emits light at 488 nm or 532 nm, depending on the system platform.

Yes, all current versions of CytoSoft Software are compatible with Windows XP.

Yes, Guava CytoSoft™ Software can be installed to run in Analysis mode on computers not connected to the instrument.

Many strains of bacteria are visible on the Guava EasyCyte Plus System, but Guava Technologies does not, at this time, have a dedicated software interface or protocol for bacteria staining, acquisition, and data interpretation.

Yes. However, in most cases, an initial dilution step must be performed in buffer such as PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline) to avoid saturating the system with red blood cell events.

No, acquisition and analysis of sample requires passage of single cell events through the capillary; however, many enzymatic reagents and protocols exist to disperse solid tissue for proper sample preparation. 

No, the samples pass to the waste vial following acquisition.

Very clumpy samples can both give inaccurate "undercount" results and clog the flow cell. Cells can be pretreated prior to acquisition with the Guava® Cell Dispersal Reagent (CDR) to alleviate problems caused by chronically clumpy cells.

Guava Technologies recommends running samples with a concentration from 10,000 to 500,000 cells/mL. As few as 2,000 cells can be used per sample.  

The minimum volume of sample required in a microcentrifuge tube for acquisition on the PCA or EasyCyte Mini Systems is 70 microliters. The minimum sample volume required in a microplate well for acquisition on the PCA-96 or EasyCyte Plus Systems is 125 microliters for round-bottom plates and 175 microliters for flat-bottom plates.