01
Routine Cell Counting & Viability
Brightfield and fluorescence tools for routine mammalian-cell counting, viability and daily QC workflows.
CELL COUNTING · IMAGING · LIVE-CELL ANALYSIS
See more from every cell-based workflow.
Automated brightfield and fluorescence counting, high-throughput imaging, live-cell monitoring and 3D culture platforms selected around your assay, throughput and compliance needs.
Application-led selection
Local technical support
Research to bioprocessing
BFBrightfield
FLFluorescence
3DLive models
02
Advanced Fluorescence & Cell Therapy
Specialized fluorescence analyzers for microbial work, immune-cell workflows and advanced multi-colour assays.
03
High-Throughput Imaging & 3D Analysis
Automated plate-based imaging platforms for monoclonality, transfection, organoids and high-content analysis.
04
Live-cell Monitoring
Kinetic live-cell imaging for long-term experiments inside the incubator.
05
3D Culture & Consumables
Perfusion-culture support and standardized consumables that complete the portfolio.
Cell analysis solutions
Choose the instrument by assay, throughput and biology.
This page covers the full Countstar and Hvita portfolio available through Kay Scientia. Each product now includes a real instrument photo, a short technical differentiation, typical applications, assay examples and practical notes so the platforms do not all read the same.
Routine Cell Counting & Viability
Brightfield Cell Analyzer
Countstar Mira BF
The label-free entry point for routine cell counting, Trypan Blue viability, confluence and organoid observation when fluorescence is not required.
- Brightfield-only workflow for straightforward daily use
- Selectable 5.0×, 6.6× and 8.0× optical zoom
- Approx. 2–180 µm object-size analysis range
- Works with Countstar chamber slides, hemocytometers, petri dishes, T25 flasks and µ-slides
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- Routine brightfield cell counting
- Trypan Blue viability
- Confluence analysis
- Organoid and spheroid observation
Assays
- Cell counting BioApp
- Trypan Blue viability assay
- Confluence analysis
- Organoid analysis
Application Notes
- Compatible with multiple consumables using dedicated adapters
- Useful when labs need visual evidence but not fluorescence
- A strong fit for routine QC, academic labs and training environments
Routine Cell Counting & Viability
Fluorescence Cell Analyzer
Countstar Mira FL
Adds fluorescence to the Mira platform for nucleated-cell viability and transfection studies while keeping a compact all-in-one format.
- Brightfield plus fluorescence imaging
- 3-fold selectable optical zoom from 5.0× to 8.0×
- Approx. 1–180 µm particle and cell analysis range
- 8-inch HD glove-sensitive touchscreen with AI-assisted BioApps
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- AO/PI cell density and viability
- GFP/RFP transfection studies
- Classical Trypan Blue counting
- Morphology and aggregate assessment
Assays
- AO/PI viability assay
- GFP transfection efficiency
- RFP transfection efficiency
- Trypan Blue cell count
Application Notes
- Best when fluorescence evidence is needed without moving to a large high-throughput system
- Combines brightfield and fluorescence views for visual confirmation
- Useful for cell culture, transfection optimization and general research
Routine Cell Counting & Viability
Automated Fluorescence Cell Analyzer
Countstar Mira FL Plus
The compliance-ready, higher-throughput Mira variant for regulated labs needing fixed-focus fluorescence analysis and repeatable data handling.
- Patented fixed-focus imaging removes manual focusing
- 8.3 MP CMOS camera with 5× optics
- Automated five-sample sequence improves routine throughput
- FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and cGMP-oriented data management with audit trail
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- Routine QC viability analysis
- Fluorescence-based counting
- Transfection assessment
- Regulated multi-sample workflows
Assays
- AO/PI viability assay
- Trypan Blue count
- GFP/RFP transfection
- Batch QC release testing
Application Notes
- Recommended where repeatability, audit trails and faster multi-sample handling matter more than ultra-high throughput
- Suitable for bioprocess and quality environments
- Bridges compact footprint with compliance expectations
Routine Cell Counting & Viability
High-throughput Cell Analyzer
Countstar Mira HT
A compact high-throughput analyzer for batch processing of routine cell-counting and fluorescence assays across many samples.
- Handles 15 or 24 samples in one run depending on carrier
- Brightfield plus fluorescence analysis in a compact footprint
- Updated autofocus with 5× lens and 8.3 MP camera
- cGMP-compliant design for higher-volume labs
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- High-throughput routine counting
- Batch AO/PI viability screening
- GFP/RFP transfection detection
- Fast multi-sample analysis
Assays
- Brightfield live/dead concentration
- AO/PI nucleated-cell viability
- GFP/RFP transfection
- Batch sample screening
Application Notes
- Ideal when Mira-level assays are needed on many samples per batch
- Uses a 24-chamber plate or 5-chamber slides via adapter
- Useful for shared labs and production support groups
Advanced Fluorescence & Cell Therapy
Microbial Cell Analyzer
Countstar Mira FL Pro
A specialized fixed-focus analyzer for microbial counting and viability of small particles such as bacteria, yeast and platelets.
- 10× optical magnification with 8.3 MP CMOS camera
- Designed for 1–10 µm microorganisms and particles
- Brightfield plus red and green fluorescence channels
- Five-sample throughput with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 / GMP-oriented workflow
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- Microbial cell counting
- Bacterial and yeast viability
- Platelet analysis
- Small-particle fluorescence workflows
Assays
- Brightfield bacteria/yeast count
- AO/PI yeast viability
- Calcein-AM platelet viability
- SYTO-9/PI bacterial viability
Application Notes
- The easiest way to explain FL Pro is that it shifts Mira from mammalian routine work to microbiology-scale objects
- Its 10× optics and 1–10 µm range are the key differentiators
- Appropriate for microbiology, fermentation and specialized QC labs
Advanced Fluorescence & Cell Therapy
Fluorescence Cell Analyzer
Countstar Rigel S2
A dual-fluorescence Rigel model for primary-cell, PBMC and cell-therapy support workflows where image-based alternatives to flow cytometry are preferred.
- Two fluorescence channels plus brightfield
- Fixed Focus Technology with automated five-sample sequence
- Optimized for PBMC, CAR-T, stem cells and other primary cells
- 21 CFR Part 11-compliant operation with validation-ready workflow
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- Routine cell density and viability
- Primary-cell and PBMC studies
- Transfection efficiency control
- Cell-therapy production monitoring
Assays
- Dual-fluorescence AO/PI viability
- GFP transfection
- RFP transfection
- Antibody affinity (FITC) and optional cell-cycle/apoptosis analysis
Application Notes
- Rigel S2 is best described as the entry point to the Rigel cell-therapy family
- Compared with Mira, it is more compliance-focused and application-driven for primary cells
- A good option when two fluorescence channels are enough
Advanced Fluorescence & Cell Therapy
Universal Multi-application Fluorescence Analyzer
Countstar Rigel S3
A broader three-colour Rigel platform for viability, apoptosis, phenotyping and T/NK-cell mediated cytotoxicity assays.
- Three excitation wavelengths with three detector filters
- Brightfield plus three-colour fluorescence analysis
- Customizable BioApps for application-driven workflows
- Up to five-sample automated sequence with compact benchtop design
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- Cell density and viability monitoring
- Apoptosis monitoring
- CD-marker phenotyping
- T/NK-cell mediated cytotoxicity assays
Assays
- Cell density and viability
- Apoptosis assay
- CD marker phenotyping
- Cytotoxicity analysis
Application Notes
- Rigel S3 extends beyond S2 by adding a third fluorescence channel and broader immune-cell applications
- Useful where phenotyping or cytotoxicity data are required
- A practical bridge between routine viability analysis and richer cell-therapy assays
Advanced Fluorescence & Cell Therapy
Advanced Multi-colour Fluorescence Analyzer
Countstar Rigel S5
The flagship Rigel platform for multi-colour image-based assays that approach flow-cytometry-style capability in a simpler benchtop format.
- Three excitation wavelengths and four emission filters with 10 combinations
- Brightfield combined with advanced multi-colour fluorescence
- Up to five samples analyzed automatically
- Optional FCS Express image analysis for deeper downstream interpretation
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- Multi-colour viability studies
- Apoptosis and cell-cycle status
- Surface CD marker phenotyping
- Antibody affinity kinetics
Assays
- Apoptosis progress
- Cell cycle status
- Surface CD marker phenotyping
- Antibody affinity kinetics and transfection control
Application Notes
- Rigel S5 is the top Rigel model when laboratories need the widest assay menu and the richest fluorescence combinations
- Compared with S3, it supports more detector options and more advanced multi-colour assays
- This is the model to position for demanding cell-therapy and advanced research teams
Advanced Fluorescence & Cell Therapy
cGMP Brightfield Image Analyzer
Countstar Altair
A brightfield analyzer designed specifically for daily use in cGMP-regulated environments and industrial process development.
- 5 MP CMOS colour camera with 2.5× lens
- Integrated Fixed Focus Technology for always-sharp images
- Automated chamber-slide mechanism for up to five consecutive samples
- 21 CFR Part 11 features including e-signatures, user management and encrypted data
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- Process development monitoring
- Pilot and large-scale manufacturing support
- Quality control of mammalian cells, fungi and particles
- Routine viability and aggregation checks
Assays
- Trypan Blue concentration and viability
- Cell diameter and aggregation analysis
- Process development QC
- Manufacturing support testing
Application Notes
- Altair differs from Rigel by focusing on brightfield cGMP process monitoring rather than multi-colour fluorescence
- It is positioned for bioprocess teams that prioritize validated routine monitoring
- A strong fit for manufacturing-facing environments
High-Throughput Imaging & 3D Analysis
High-throughput Image Cell Analyzer
Countstar Castor X1
A plate-based high-content analyzer for thousands of cells at once, especially suited to monoclonality, transfection and virus-titer workflows.
- Cryo-cooled 16 MP CMOS sensor with 4× high-NA objective
- Laser-based focus system for sharp plate imaging
- Dual fluorescence channels plus brightfield imaging
- Compatible with common 6–384 well plates and automation workflows
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- Monoclonal identification
- Cell transfection analysis
- Virus or transduction titer detection
- Confluence analysis
Assays
- Automatic monoclonality identification
- Cell transfection
- Visualization of transduction titer effects
- Parallel brightfield and fluorescence monitoring
Application Notes
- Castor X1 is the 2D plate-work specialist
- Choose it when the lab needs many wells, automation and high-content readouts but not true 3D Z-stack organoid phenotyping
- A very different proposition from the compact Mira series
High-Throughput Imaging & 3D Analysis
High-throughput Intelligent 3D Cell Analyzer
Countstar Castor S1
A dedicated organoid and 3D-cell-analysis platform with Z-stack imaging, fluorescence viability and AI-driven phenotyping.
- Peltier-cooled 10 MP CMOS camera with 4× and 10× high-NA objectives
- Laser autofocus with Z-stack acquisition and projection
- Dual fluorescence channels plus brightfield imaging
- Supports 6–384 well plates, dishes, flasks and slides
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- Organoid quality control
- Growth monitoring of cancer-derived organoids
- Drug-response testing
- Organoid viability and immuno-oncology co-culture cytotoxicity
Assays
- Label-free organoid growth monitoring
- Organoid drug-response testing
- AO/PI organoid viability
- Tumour organoid cytotoxicity analysis
Application Notes
- Castor S1 is the right answer when the biology is truly 3D
- Its Z-stack workflow and organoid-focused software separate it clearly from Castor X1
- Use it for drug-response, organoid QC and co-culture analysis where morphology in depth matters
Live-cell Monitoring
Live Cell Imaging and Analysis System
Countstar Spica M1
A live-cell imaging platform that stays inside a standard incubator and captures long-term cellular behaviour rather than a single end-point snapshot.
- Incubator-friendly design preserves physiological conditions
- Remote experiment monitoring for flexible oversight
- Preset assays and integrated software from acquisition to analysis
- Flexible channels, magnification and consumable compatibility
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- Proliferation and confluence studies
- Migration and wound-healing assays
- Live-cell transfection tracking
- Long-term morphology and kinetic experiments
Assays
- Proliferation kinetics
- Scratch-wound migration
- Live-cell transfection
- Long-term morphological monitoring
Application Notes
- Spica M1 stands apart from every other product on this page because it is built for time-lapse live-cell kinetics rather than endpoint counting
- It is the right solution when cells must remain in the incubator and be observed over hours or days
- Very suitable for dynamic biology and assay development
3D Culture & Consumables
3D Live Cell Perfusion Culture System
Hvita 3D Live Cell Perfusion Culture System
A controlled perfusion-culture platform for organoids, organ-on-chip and other advanced live models where environmental stability and media flow are central.
- One controller can operate up to four culture chambers
- Six independent peristaltic pumps adjustable from 1 µL/min to 7 mL/min
- Temperature and gas are controlled with PID-based modules
- Remote monitoring and GMP-traceable software support
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- Organoid amplified culture
- Organ-on-chip workflows
- Live-cell perfusion culture
- Real-time cell monitoring
Assays
- Perfusion culture programs
- Organoid Factory chip workflows
- Controlled media exchange
- Environmental monitoring and recording
Application Notes
- Hvita is not an analyzer, which makes it fundamentally different from Countstar counters and imagers
- Use it when the culture environment itself is the product requirement
- It complements organoid and advanced 3D workflows on the instrumentation side
3D Culture & Consumables
Disposable Counting Slide
Countstar Chamber Slide
The standardized proprietary slide that enables repeatable sample loading and multi-sample operation across Countstar platforms.
- Multi-chamber disposable design for streamlined routine use
- Supports repeatable chamber geometry for reliable measurements
- Compatible with many Countstar analyzers and assay BioApps
- Ideal for reducing variability between users and runs
Applications, assays & notes
Applications Overview
- Standardized sample loading
- Routine counting and viability preparation
- Multi-sample workflow support
- Daily QC consumable use
Assays
- Chamber-slide based cell counting
- Viability sample loading
- Repeatability support
- Routine QC sample preparation
Application Notes
- Chamber Slide is an accessory rather than an analyzer, but it is an important part of the workflow story
- A standardized consumable often improves repeatability and reduces operator variation
- It is especially useful for high-frequency routine testing
No platforms match this filter.
Comparison matrix
Cleaner platform comparison at a glance
Use this matrix to quickly separate routine counters, fluorescence analyzers, high-throughput imagers, live-cell systems and perfusion-culture tools.
| Platform | Type | Best fit | Imaging / Mode | Throughput | Key difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Countstar Mira BF
|
Brightfield analyzer | Routine mammalian-cell counting, Trypan Blue viability, confluence and organoid observation | Brightfield, 5.0×/6.6×/8.0× optical zoom | Single-sample routine workflow | Best entry platform when fluorescence is not needed and multiple consumable adapters are useful. |
|
Countstar Mira FL
|
Fluorescence analyzer | AO/PI viability, GFP/RFP transfection and general cell-culture research | Brightfield + fluorescence, 1–180 µm | Routine compact workflow | Adds fluorescence evidence to the Mira footprint without moving to larger high-throughput systems. |
|
Countstar Mira FL Plus
|
Compliance-ready fluorescence analyzer | Routine fluorescence work in labs needing better repeatability and data control | Fixed-focus fluorescence imaging, 8.3 MP camera | Up to 5 samples / automated sequence | Better fit for regulated workflows than base Mira FL, with automated multi-sample handling. |
|
Countstar Mira FL Pro
|
Microbial cell analyzer | Bacteria, yeast, platelet and other 1–10 µm workflows | Brightfield + dual fluorescence, 10× optics | Up to 5 samples / automated sequence | Purpose-built for small microorganisms rather than standard mammalian-cell routine work. |
|
Countstar Mira HT
|
High-throughput cell analyzer | Batch cell counting, AO/PI viability and transfection screening | Brightfield + fluorescence with 24-chamber/15-sample options | 15–24 samples per run | The high-throughput Mira for labs processing many samples with routine assays. |
|
Countstar Rigel S2
|
Dual-fluorescence Rigel | PBMC, CAR-T, stem-cell and primary-cell viability/transfection workflows | 2 fluorescence channels + brightfield | Up to 5 samples / automated sequence | Entry point into the Rigel family for cell-therapy and primary-cell applications. |
|
Countstar Rigel S3
|
Three-colour Rigel | Viability, apoptosis, phenotyping and T/NK-cell cytotoxicity assays | 3 fluorescence channels + brightfield | Up to 5 samples / automated sequence | Adds a broader fluorescence toolbox for immune-cell and phenotyping workflows. |
|
Countstar Rigel S5
|
Flagship multi-colour Rigel | Advanced multi-colour assays, antibody affinity, cell cycle and apoptosis | 3 excitation wavelengths / 4 filters / 10 combinations | Up to 5 samples / automated sequence | The broadest Rigel assay menu, positioned closest to flow-cytometry-style flexibility. |
|
Countstar Altair
|
cGMP brightfield analyzer | Process development, manufacturing support and quality-control environments | Brightfield, 5 MP CMOS + fixed focus | Up to 5 samples / automated sequence | Focused on validated daily brightfield monitoring for cGMP workflows rather than fluorescence expansion. |
|
Countstar Castor X1
|
High-throughput image analyzer | Monoclonality, transfection, virus titer and plate-based 2D imaging assays | Brightfield + dual fluorescence, 6–384 well plates | Plate-based high throughput | The 2D plate-imaging specialist for high-content workflows and automation. |
|
Countstar Castor S1
|
High-throughput 3D cell analyzer | Organoid QC, growth monitoring, drug response and 3D phenotyping | Brightfield + dual fluorescence + Z-stack imaging | Plate-based high throughput | Purpose-built for 3D biology and organoids, which is the main separator from Castor X1. |
|
Countstar Spica M1
|
Live-cell imaging system | Kinetic proliferation, migration and long-term live-cell experiments | Incubator-based time-lapse live-cell imaging | Continuous monitoring over hours/days | The only platform here dedicated to live kinetic observation inside the incubator. |
|
Hvita 3D Live Cell Perfusion Culture System
|
Perfusion culture platform | Organoid amplified culture, organ-on-chip and controlled live-cell perfusion | Temperature, gas and fluid control with remote monitoring | Up to 4 chambers / 6 independent pumps | A culture environment platform rather than an analyzer; it complements advanced 3D workflows. |
|
Countstar Chamber Slide
|
Consumable accessory | Standardized sample loading across Countstar workflows | Disposable multi-chamber counting slide | Routine consumable use | Supports repeatability and operator consistency as part of the full Countstar workflow. |
Selection guide
A practical way to narrow the choice
Use these starting points to decide which of the 14 products best fits the biology, throughput and operating context.
Routine mammalian cell work
Pick Mira BF for brightfield-only counting. Move to Mira FL or FL Plus when AO/PI viability, transfection evidence or better compliance support is needed. Use Mira HT when the same assays must be processed in larger batches.
Microbial or primary-cell fluorescence
Choose Mira FL Pro for bacteria, yeast and platelet workflows. Choose Rigel S2/S3/S5 when the work shifts toward PBMCs, immune cells, apoptosis, phenotyping or cell-therapy-style assays requiring progressively richer fluorescence combinations.
Plate-based high-content imaging
Choose Castor X1 for 2D high-throughput assays such as monoclonality, transfection and virus-titer work. Choose Castor S1 when organoids or other 3D models require Z-stack imaging, phenotyping and drug-response analysis.
Live and 3D culture systems
Choose Spica M1 for long-term live-cell kinetics inside the incubator. Choose Hvita when the need is controlled perfusion culture or organ-on-chip support rather than image analysis. Add Chamber Slides where standardized sample loading matters.
Applications
Typical applications with real reference visuals
Brightfield viability, fluorescence viability, transfection efficiency, monoclonality, organoid drug response, live-cell kinetics, perfusion culture, process development monitoring, immune-cell cytotoxicity, cell-cycle studies, microbial counting, standardized chamber-slide workflows.
Routine QC
Brightfield & fluorescence viability
Routine viability and concentration workflows for daily cell-culture QC using brightfield or AO/PI fluorescence methods.
Transfection
Transfection efficiency analysis
GFP/RFP-based transfection assessment and rapid comparison of expression levels across samples and conditions.
Cell line development
Monoclonality & plate-based imaging
Automated plate imaging helps verify monoclonality and monitor clone development with less manual review time.
3D biology
Organoid quality & drug-response
High-throughput organoid phenotyping, viability and drug-response analysis with Z-stack imaging and AI-supported interpretation.
Kinetic studies
Live-cell growth monitoring
Time-lapse tracking of proliferation and morphology inside the incubator for kinetic assays rather than one-time endpoint reads.
Perfusion culture
3D perfusion & organ-on-chip support
Controlled media perfusion, environmental stability and observation support for organoid factory and organ-on-chip workflows.
Technical process
From assay definition to long-term support
As the official distributor in Pakistan, Kay Scientia can help compare the full Countstar and Hvita range, map the method to the right platform, and support implementation with product guidance and local coordination.
01
Define
Review the cells, assay endpoint, staining method, throughput and operating environment.
02
Configure
Select the platform, optical channels, consumables, software and documentation package.
03
Demonstrate
Evaluate representative samples and confirm the workflow before procurement where practical.
04
Support
Coordinate supply, user orientation, application guidance and after-sales technical support.
Start with your cells and assay
Request cell-analysis guidance
Share the sample type, method and throughput you need.
Kay Scientia can help position the right one among 14 Countstar and Hvita products for research, bioprocess, QC, organoid, live-cell or cell-therapy workflows in Pakistan.
Countstar and Hvita products shown here are intended for research and related laboratory workflows. Assay fit, validation scope, documentation level and product availability should be confirmed for the intended site and application.