What is the precision of the NucleoCounter?

The precision is described by the Poisson distribution, e.g. counting of random events, where the observed standard deviation is equal to the square root of the number of counted cells. The NucleoCounter will analyse about 2µl in each measurement. With the recommended sample preparation for total count (equal amounts of: Sample, Reagent A100 and Reagent B), 2 µl will contain 0.67 µl of the original Sample (33.3%). If the cell concentration of the sample prior to mixing with reagent is
2 x 10E6 cells/ml, then the analysed volume contains 1333 cells. The square root of 1333 is 37 and thus the relative precision, e.g. Coefficient of Variation (CV), of the result in this case is 2.7% expressed as one standard deviation.