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Migration Assay with SnapCyte™
Migration or invasion assays are crucial for studying cellular behaviors like cancer metastasis. Traditional methods, such as optical density (OD) measurements and manual cell counting, often lead to variability and complex data analysis. OD measurements can be inconsistent due to factors like staining intensity, while manual counting is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when cell boundaries are unclear. SnapCyte™ overcomes these challenges by offering precise, automated analysis through providing stained- area based assessments that improve reproducibility and reliability.
Note: Invasion assays involve cells moving through an extracellular matrix layer, while migration assays focus on cell movement through a porous membrane without the matrix.
How SnapCyte™ Works
SnapCyte™ streamlines the invasion assay workflow by allowing you to capture multiple 10X images of each well after staining the migratory cells. The AI-driven platform then analyzes these images to calculate the percentage area covered by the migratory (stained) cells, providing a clear and objective measure of cell invasion. This approach eliminates the need for manual counting, which can be prone to errors and inconsistencies, especially after staining when cell boundaries are difficult to distinguish.
Note: While SnapCyte™ significantly improves accuracy and reproducibility, the results are still dependent on the quality of staining and imaging. Ensuring consistent sample preparation is crucial for optimal performance.
Why Use SnapCyte™?
- Time-Saving: With rapid image processing and analysis, SnapCyte™ significantly reduces time spent on manual tasks, allowing you to focus on data interpretation.
- Reproducibility: Ensures consistent results across different experiments and users, minimizing variability.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Stained-area based measurement offers a more precise representation of cell invasion compared to traditional cell counting.
- Record Keeping: SnapCyte™ automatically stores and organizes your data, making it easier to track and compare results over time.
Our blog
Discover the key differences between Transwell migration and invasion assays, and learn how to enhance your cell movement studies with advanced analysis.
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Frequently asked questions
Most Frequent Questions and Answers
How does SnapCyte™ improve the accuracy of invasion assays?
SnapCyte™ enhances accuracy by providing an stained-area based assessment of cell invasion, reducing the subjectivity and variability associated with manual counting.
Can I use SnapCyte™ with any type of transwell insert?
Yes, SnapCyte™ is compatible with a variety of transwell inserts, making it adaptable to different experimental setups.
What magnification is recommended for capturing images?
You can use 4X or 10X magnifications to acquire images. However, SnapCyte™ is optimized for 10X magnification, which balances detail and field of view for accurate analysis.
How long does it take to analyze the images with SnapCyte™?
SnapCyte™ processes each image in under 30 seconds, providing rapid results without compromising accuracy. Taking pictures of a 24-well plate would take around 15-20 minutes.
What kind of data output can I expect from SnapCyte™?
SnapCyte™ provides detailed quantitative data, including the percentage area of migratory (stained) cells and graphical representations of your results with various statistical analysis, ready for publication or further analysis.
