xCELLigence RTCA MP

Our lab has been using the xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analysis (RTCA) system for CAR-T cell potency assessment, and it has become a central instrument in our workflow. What stands out most is the system’s reliability. Despite frequent use, it requires minimal maintenance. Routine upkeep is simple, and we’ve experienced very little unplanned downtime. This reliability has helped us stay on track with our experiments. The real-time impedance measurements offer good sensitivity for detecting cytolytic activity. The kinetic data allow us to capture the temporal dynamics of cell killing, which has helped us iterate more quickly compared to traditional endpoint assays. With its 6-plate capacity, multiple researchers can run their experiments simultaneously without competing for access. Each lab member can use a dedicated 96-well plate when needed, which keeps the system accessible and avoids scheduling bottlenecks. The software is straightforward, and new users typically get up to speed after just one training session. A particularly helpful feature is the system’s protection against data loss. Even when we’ve encountered technical mishaps (unrelated to the xCELLigence RTCA system), all recorded data remained intact and recoverable. This has been critical in preserving experimental results on more than one occasion. While the cost of E-Plates is insignificant, we find that the quality and consistency of the data justifies the expense. For researchers working on cellular immunotherapies, the xCELLigence RTCA system offers a dependable, high-throughput platform for generating high-quality data. It has become our primary tool for potency analysis, and I would recommend it to colleagues without hesitation.

Review Date: 29 Jul 2025 | Agilent Technologies

We primarily use this instrument to measure the cytotoxic activity of T cells that have been genetically re-programmed to recognize specific targets on tumor cells. There are many ways to do this using traditional techniques (Chromium release, LDH release, luceriferase-labeled target cells, etc.) that we were exploring before we demo'd and purchased this instrument. The xCELLigence was easy to use and gave higher quality (reproducible) results than the other techniques, but that alone may not have been enough to justify the purchase for us as a small company. The extra selling feature was that the instrument was extremely sensitive, required very few cells, and could detect activity that and differences that could not be detected using other techniques. This expanded our capabilities greatly, and made it more than just a "better mousetrap". We use this instrument quite frequently, and have had a relatively easy time training new users."

Review Date: 22 Jul 2022 | Agilent Technologies

We are using xCelligence for the measurement of NKcell mediated killing. We have very reliable and reproducible results. The application is super easy and with the MP, you can plate enough groups at one timepoint. Highly recommended.

Review Date: 25 Apr 2019 | Agilent Technologies

Service is outstanding and Martyn is always there for questions and troubleshooting. Results are highly valid, reproducible and able to predict in vivo experiments. Great instrument, great service.

Review Date: 25 Apr 2019 | Agilent Technologies

The RTCA MP xCelligence instrument has one of the easiest learning curves for the depth of information provided out of all the lab instruments I have used throughout my 20-year career. Two of the most valuable features for me are the ability to simultaneously run up to six independent assay plates at the same time, and the option to also combine two assays in one. I love that I can begin a 96-well plate assay, observe phenotypic or growth changes in the cells in real time, and use those observations to design and start the next assay while still retaining the capability to continue gathering information from the first assay plate for as long as I decide, often up to two weeks or longer. The instrument has eliminated the hassle of setting up multiple replicate plates for end-point assays that require several time points during assay optimization, and I appreciate the fact that I can still lyse the cells at the end of the assay for RNA expression studies or collect supernatant for secreted cytokine quantification. This enables us to determine whether early (e.g. 30 min after treatment) phenotypic cellular changes correlate with later-stage (24-72 hrs) downstream/functional effects. The customer service I have received during the initial training, as well as throughout my years of use with the instrument, has been among the best I have encountered throughout my 20 year career working with many vendors. In addition to the fibrosis assays we have most recently been running on the MP, my lab has also used the instrument for motility assays and compound activity assays with many different cell types.

Review Date: 24 Jul 2018 | Agilent Technologies

It is very useful and effective for our study. If the cost for the chip could be reduced, it will be better for me.

Review Date: 19 Jul 2018 | Agilent Technologies

I bought the first xcelligence apparatus (SP) ~3 years ago . Since that 2 other apparatus have been bought ( 1 MP, 1SP) , 7 permanent employees have been trained aund use it routniley (+ ~6 trainees). various cellular assays have been set up and use in 6 différents programs (mainly based on GPCR agonist project but also portease project) mainly based on human primary vascular cells (endothelial, Smooth Muscle cells) . Quantitative data are obtained to screen compound. We also perform GPCR desensitization assays . Co-culutre models are under development . We recently evaluated the DP apparatus and already scheduled a demonstration with the Cardio system. We are also performing image analysis at the final time point using Eplate view using incucyte technology and also perform enzymatic activity or viability assays after impedance measurement.

Review Date: 18 Jul 2018 | Agilent Technologies

Very easy top use and helpful staff when issues arise

Review Date: 18 Jul 2018 | Agilent Technologies

We primarily use this instrument to measure the cytotoxic activity of T cells that have been genetically re-programmed to recognize specific targets on tumor cells. There are many ways to do this using traditional techniques (Chromium release, LDH release, luceriferase-labeled target cells, etc.) that we were exploring before we demo'd and purchased this instrument. The xCELLigence was easy to use and gave higher quality (reproducible) results than the other techniques, but that alone may not have been enough to justify the purchase for us as a small company. The extra selling feature was that the instrument was extremely sensitive, required very few cells, and could detect activity that and differences that could not be detected using other techniques. This expanded our capabilities greatly, and made it more than just a "better mousetrap". We use this instrument quite frequently, and have had a relatively easy time training new users.

Review Date: 4 Oct 2017 | Agilent Technologies

Not sure where to start with how phenomenal the xCELLigence platform is. As a CRO, the MP (multi-plate) version is the workhorse of the over 80-90 CAR-T and CAR-NK projects already completed. The real-time kinetic readout has accelerated the patent and IP positions of many of our clients, positions that would have required many more confirmatory experiments, and therefore time and expense if we had been stuck with end-point assays. It is bewildering to me why anyone would maintain generating end-point assay data when you can use xCELLigence - no labelling required, radioactive or otherwise, and apart from preparing cells, nothing else required. Visualizing donor-to-donor differences, and the points at which a cytotoxic effect with various CAR constructs occurs is made incredibly simple with a real-time data stream. So many effects would have been missed with end-point assays! The ease-of-use is also wonderful. Plate cells, 24hr later add compound or CAR-T, and walk away for the next 80 hours, leaving our scientists to continue all their other experiments. When the experiment is over, analyze with the built in software and you have report/publication grade data in about 15 min! Plates seem a little expensive, but when cost analysis is performed, it is certainly no more expensive than any alternative, and again, you have 80 hours’ worth of data, with 5 min time points, and as for the cost of the machine, the amount of data retrieved has it paying for itself in no time! I can attest to the fact that xCELLigence MP data has been very predictive in animal models and has led to clinical study initiation in just 9 months from the first experiment! ACEA are also a joy to work with – very responsive and technically very knowledgeable.

Review Date: 23 Jun 2016 | Agilent Technologies