Scintillation+Counter+Purchase+Decision

Basically there are only 2 types of counters we're interested in:

PerkinElmer TopCount PerkinElmer Microbeta Trilux

There are lot's of other instruments, but these are basically the only 2 that accept a plate format which we will need. Deciding between the TopCount and the Trilux is actually a very difficult decision. Basically, the Trilux seems a little better, but is more expensive.

__Trilux Advantages__ -2 PMT (photo multiplier tubes) for "true coincidence counting" -TopCount just has 1 detector and uses some time-resolved algorithms to determine which signals are actually real signals. -Accepts plates or 4 mL scintillation vials -More sensitive than TopCount

This paper ( [|Comparison of benchtop microplate beta counters with the traditional gamma counting method for measurement of][|chromium][|-51 release in cytotoxic assays] ) found that TopCount with Lumaplates was the least sensitive, while Trilux with scintillation fluid was the most sensitive (a dedicated gamma counter was slightly more sensitive than this).



__TopCount Advantages__ -Many plates can be stacked into the instrument at once -Seems more common (everyone else knows how to use it and can help us)

** If ** we decide that the TopCount is the way to go, then I think a $9,995 TopCount in good condition from 2001 with 12 detectors is our very best option. Our current broken TopCount is from 1992 and only has 2 detectors.

There's basically 2 companies that have used scintillation Counters. -Biosurplus (from the Bay area; they have a lot of equipment from downsizing Biotech companies) -American Laboratory Trading (from Connecticut)

Here are the quotes from the two companies.