Cytation 3 Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader by Agilent Technologies

This unique patent pending design provides rich phenotypic cellular information with well-based quantitative data. Equipped with BioTek’s patented Hybrid Technology™ for microplate detection, Cytation 3 includes both high sensitivity filter-based detection and a flexible monochromator based system for unmatched versatility and performance. The upgradable fluorescence cellular imaging module provides researchers rich cellular visualization analysis without the complexity and expense of standard automated microscopes, making cell imaging more accessible to a larger number of research laboratories at an affordable price.

Fluorescence microscopy is a powerful technique for visualizing cellular responses to understand cell proliferation, protein expression, cytotoxicity and other expressions. The ability to perform both conventional quantitative fluorescence measurements and cell imaging takes cell biology research to another level. With special emphasis on live-cell assays, Cytation 3 features temperature control to 45 °C, CO2/O2 gas control, orbital shaking and full support for time lapse studies with BioTek’s Gen5™ software, specifically designed to make plate reading and image capture easy.

Technology advances are found throughout Cytation 3’s including high-intensity LED light sources, matched filter cubes, hard coated optical filters, Olympus objectives, and superior autofocus for totally software controlled microscopy.


Winner of the SelectScience Scientists’ Choice Award as Drug Discovery Product of the Year 2013.


Cytation 3 Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader Features:

• Automated digital microscopy and/or multi-mode microplate detection in one instrument.
• Modular and upgradable: microscopy only, microplate reading only, or both.
• Flexible sample format: 6- to 384-well plates, microscope slides and cell culture flasks.
• Affordable automation: automated XY stage, auto focus, auto exposure, automated image capture, LED intensity.
• Inverted fluorescence and brightfield microscopy.
• High Power LED cubes that provide superior excitation energy and long life.
• Optimized epifluorescence filter cubes for superior sensitivity for commonly used fluorophores: DAPI, CFP, GFP, YFP, RFP, Texas Red, CY5 and CY7.
• From 2x for full-well imaging to 20x for sub-micron resolution for intra-cellular details.
• High quality images: Olympus objectives, 16-bit gray scale CCD camera, Semrock filters.
• Live cell assays with temperature control up to 45 °C, CO2/O2 gas control accessory.
• Endpoint, time-lapse and montage assays.
• Automatic cell counting, sub-population analysis and image statistics.
• Dual reagent injectors.
• Patented Hybrid Technology™ microplate reading mode with high performance filter-based optics and high-flexibility monochromator optics.