Efficient. Flexible. Transformative.

NEW Now with new CytKick Autosamplers and 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance Software

The 2020 Attune NxT Flow Cytometer continues to offer more options, increased flexibility, and software updates that further improve performance, reliability, and robustness. Since its initial unveiling, the compact system with innovative acoustic technology is moving ahead with added new functionalities and capabilities making multiparametric flow cytometry available to both new and experienced researchers. Experience the difference acoustic assisted hydrodynamic focusing technology brings to your workflow.

Please see our SARS-CoV-2 Decontamination Guidance for Thermo Fisher Scientific Instrumentation

Request a demo Request a quote 3D Demo

Attune NxT is now available with FCSExpress software. Learn more 


A flow cytometer designed with your research in mind

  • Conserve sample and quickly run experiments with sample flow rates ranging from 12.5–1,000 μL/min
  • Intuitive software interface and easy-to-follow workflow that is quick to learn, teach and use
  • Save time and minimize cell handling with faster protocols
  • Expand your capabilities with up to 6 channels of detection off the violet laser

Invitrogen Attune NxT Flow Cytometer Demo Video

Designed for faster experimental run times, the Invitrogen Attune NxT compact flow cytometer offers rapid and accurate analysis for a broad range of sample types. Experience the difference.

 

Freedom of choice


An evolutionary flow cytometer


Automation for any lab

Improve your workflow for fully automated sample acquisition from 96-well and 384-well microtiter plates. There are no physical changes to the system needed in order to run plate based experiments—everything is controlled in the software.

2020 Attune NxT instrument options

This grow-with-you system can be customized with up to 4 lasers and 14 colors and now up to 6 channels off of the violet laser. The optical system was designed to provide optimal signal and has the range to detect very bright as well as dim signals. The Attune NxT Flow Cytometer allows researchers the freedom to build multicolor panels, accommodating common fluorophores and dyes. Build your multicolor panel for the Attune NxT flow cytometer with our superior reagents and antibodies.

Attune NxT Flow Cytometer configuration options

LasersLaser configuration
Cat. No.
Lasers included, No. of detection channelsTotal detection channels*
Violet, 405 nmBlue, 488 nmYellow, 561 nmGreen,
532 nm
Red, 637 nm
1Blue
A24864
A24864CFR**
Available as upgrade†
4
Available as upgrade†Available as upgrade†Available as upgrade†6
2Blue/green
A28995
A28995CFR**
Available as upgrade†
3
 
4
Available as upgrade†9
Blue/yellow
A24861
A24861CFR**
Available as upgrade†
3
4
 Available as upgrade†9
Blue/red
A24863
A24863CFR**
Available as upgrade†
4
Available as upgrade†Available as upgrade†
3
9
Blue/violet
A24862
A24862CFR**
4
4
Available as upgrade†Available as upgrade†Available as upgrade†10
Blue/violet 6
A29002
A29002CFR**
6
3
Available as upgrade† Available as upgrade†11
3Blue/green/red
A28997
A28997CFR**
Available as upgrade†
3
 
4
3
12
Blue/red/yellow
A28993
A28993CFR**
Available as upgrade†34 312
Blue/green/violet
A28999
A28999CFR**
4
3
 
4
Available as upgrade†13
Blue/violet/yellowA24859
A24859CFR**
4
3
4
 
Available as upgrade†13
Blue/red/violet
A24860
A24860CFR**
4
4
Available as upgrade†Available as upgrade†
3
13
Blue/red/violet 6
A29003
A29003CFR**
6
3
Available as upgrade† 
3
14
4Blue/red/violet/green
A29001
A29001CFR**
4
3
 
4
3
16
Blue/red/yellow/violet
A24858
A24858CFR**
4
3
4
 
3
16
Blue/red/yellow/violet 6
A29004
A29004CFR**
6
2
3
 
3
16
* Number of detection channels includes all fluorescence channels as well as a forward scatter and a side scatter channel.
† Attune NxT Flow Cytometer owners wishing to purchase a laser upgrade should request a quote here: Yellow Laser Upgrade, Violet Laser UpgradeRed Laser Upgrade, or Green Laser Upgrade. After we receive your quote request, a technical sales specialist will contact you about upgrade options.
** Instrument package comes with a 21 CFR part 11 Software License and an Attune NxT software license.

Are you comparing the specifications of more than one flow cytometer?

A specification is derived from a specific test or calculation, but these tests aren’t standardized across instrument developers and may be misleading in a side-by-side comparison because their values may have been calculated in different ways, despite sharing the same terminology. This 8-page Comparing Technical Specification Documents resource offers helpful tips on deciphering variations.

Download the tip sheet

Optics
  • Laser power (as shown in table below)
    LaserWavelength (nm)Beam-shaping optics (BSO)* (mW)Diode power** (mW)
    Violet40550100
    Blue48850100
    Green532100140
    Yellow56150100
    Red637100140
    * Amount of measured usable laser power after light has gone through the beam optics and shaping filters.
    ** Vendor-specified theoretical maximum.
  • Laser excitation: Optimized excitation for minimized stray laser-line noise and losses to reflection 
  • Laser profile: 10 μm x 50 μm flat-top laser providing robust alignment 
  • Emission filters: Up to 14 color channels with wavelength-tuned photomultiplier tubes (PMTs); user-changeable, keyed filters 
  • Laser separation: 150 μm 
  • Optical alignment: Fixed alignment with prealigned welded fiber; no user maintenance require
  • Onboard thermal-electric cooler: No warm-up delay; fiber isn't affected by on/off 
  • Simmer mode: Instant on/off reduces usage and/or aging by 10x; only keep it "on" when acquiring samples; reports hours of usage
  • Flat top specified at the flow cell: CV <3% over width of flat top
  • Upgradable: Convenient field changes
Fluidics
  • Flow cell: Quartz cuvette gel coupled to 1.2 numerical aperture (NA) collection lens, 200 x 200 μm
  • Sample analysis volume: 20 μL to 4 mL
  • Custom sample flow rates: 12.5–1,000 μL/min
  • Sample delivery: Positive-displacement syringe pump for volumetric analysis
  • Sample tubes: Accommodates tubes from 17 x 100 mm to 8.5 x 45 mm
  • Fluid-level sensing: Active
  • Standard fluid reservoirs: 1.8 L focusing fluid tank, 1.8 L waste tank, 175 mL shutdown solution tank, and 175 mL wash solution tank
  • Fluid storage: All fluids stored within instrument
  • Extended fluidics option: Configuration for 10 L fluid
  • Nominal fluid consumption: 1.8 L/day
  • Automated maintenance cycles: ≤15 min startup and shutdown—deep clean, sanitize, and debubble modes
Performance
  • Fluorescence sensitivity: ≤80 MESF for FITC, ≤30 MESF for PE, ≤70 MESF for APC
  • Fluorescence resolution: CV <3% for the singlet peak of propidium iodide–stained chicken erythrocyte nuclei (CEN)
  • Data acquisition rate: Up to 35,000 events/sec, 34 parameters, based on a 10% coincidence rate per Poisson statistics
  • Maximum electronic speed: 65,000 events/sec with all parameters
  • Carryover: Single-tube format: <1%
  • Forward and side scatter sensitivity: Able to discriminate platelets from noise
  • Forward and side scatter resolution: Optimized to resolve lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes in lysed whole blood
  • Forward scatter: Photodiode detector with 488/10 nm bandpass filter
  • Side scatter: PMT with default 488/10 nm bandpass filter; optional 405/10 nm bandpass filter
  • Fluorescent detectors: 14 individual detectors
  • Electronic pulse: Measured area, height and width pulse for all detectors
  • Violet side scatter resolution: Can be configured for violet side scatter to better resolve particles from noise
  • Minimum particle size: 0.2 μm on side scatter using Bangs Laboratories, Inc.™ Submicron Bead Calibration Kit (Cat. No. 832)
    • 0.1 μm on side scatter under following conditions: Using an Attune NxT Flow Cytometer standard 0.5 mm blocking configuration, an Attune NxT 488/10 Filter (Cat. No. 100083194) and using Attune Focusing Fluid (Cat. No. 4488621, 4449791, or A24904) that has been 0.025 filtered.
Software
  • Compensation: Full matrix—automated and manual modes, on-plot compensation tools for fine adjustment; use of tubes and wells
  • Flow rate: Precise flow rate control via software; no hardware adjustments
  • Live streaming: Live update of statistics during acquisition of events up to 35,000 events/sec
  • Overlays: Comparative analysis between samples; 3D view
  • Sample recovery: System able to return unused samples
  • Concentration: Direct concentration measurement without use of counting beads
  • Software layout: Fully customizable for each user account
  • Bubble detection technology: Stops automated run to preserve sample integrity
  • Maximum single-event file: 20 million with option to append
  • Heat map: Set up for definition of plate layout; screening view for analysis for tubes and plates
  • Threshold: Up to 4 individual thresholds with user option to apply Boolean logic
  • Gating: Hierarchal gating with the ability to derive gates
  • Smartgate labeling: Option to annotate quad gate names based on fluorophore and target names
  • Voltage: User adjustable
  • Window extensions: User adjustable
  • Area scaling factor (ASF): User adjustable
  • Acquisition settings: Documented in FCS files and maintained upon import
  • Templates: Create from existing experiments—instrument settings, workspaces, run protocols, heat map settings, and compensation settings optimized and defined previously
  • Tube-to-plate conversion: One-click transition from tubes to plates and vice versa; no disassembly, no additional QC, no reboot required for conversion between plates and tubes
  • Graphics resolution: Publication-quality images; support for TIF, PNG, BMP, JPG, GIF, and EMF; quickly copy and paste plots to any external application (e.g., Microsoft™ PowerPoint™ software)
  • User account administration: Administrative creation of individual user accounts with designated roles, advanced setting permissions, management of individual accounts, user time tracking, and sample count
Quality and regulatory
  • Instrument tracking: Automated daily baseline and performance test with Levey-Jennings plots
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Production verification testing: Each instrument is tested and verified for assembly integrity and performance to specifications
  • Quality management system: Manufacturing standards comply with the requirements of ISO 13485:2003
  • Robust install specifications: Units installed by engineer; preplanning checklist, delivery, installation, and performance validation comply with standardized procedure
  • For Research Use Only
Data management
  • Software requirements: Invitrogen Attune NxT Software
  • Monitor: 23-inch flat panel (1,920 x 1,080 resolution); dual-monitor capability
  • Computer: Minitower desktop
  • Operating system: Windows™ 10 64-bit
  • FCS format: FCS 3.1, 3.0
  • Processor: Intel Core™ i7 processor
  • RAM: 32 GB
  • Hard drives: 2 x 2TB SATA 6.0Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 64MB data burst cache; Controller RAID1, integrated
Installation requirements
  • Electrical requirements: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, <150 W. Thermo Fisher Scientific certifies that the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer conforms to relevant directives to bear the CE mark. The instrument also conforms to the UL and CAN/CSA general requirements (61010.1). The Attune NxT Flow Cytometer is a Class I laser product per CDRH regulations and EN/IEC 60825.
  • Heat dissipation: <150 W
  • Temperature operating ranges: 15–30°C (59–86°F)
  • Operating humidity: 10–90%, noncondensing
  • Audible noise: <65 dBA at 1.0 m
  • Instrument size (H x W x D): ~40 x 58 x 43 cm (16 x 23 x 17 in.), including fluid bottles
  • Weight: ~29 kg (64 lb)
  • Available configurations (see Attune NxT Flow Cytometer configuration options table)

Simple yet powerful software to aid in your research and workflows

Invitrogen Attune NxT Software is designed to provide powerful data acquisition and analysis using an intuitive, user-friendly interface. The instrument software features and benefits include:

  • Compensation—fully automated and manual compensation
  • Instrument tracking—automated baseline and performance test for all channels and linearity
  • Automated maintenance—startup (<15 min), shutdown, rinse, wash, debubble, deep clean,
    monthly decontamination
  • User account maintenance—administrative and individual accounts with user log
  • Gates—standard and customizable gates
  • Plot previews—easy workspace setup
  • Zoom filmstrip viewer—easy visualization and navigation of plots to set gates and plot attributes
  • File formats—FCS 3.0 and FCS 3.1
  • Graphics resolution—publication-quality images (customizable)
  • Traceability—21 CFR part 11 for security, auditing, and electronic signature capabilities

Learn more about software for the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer

screenshot showing software features
 Click image to enlarge

Transforming capabilities

Attune NxT upgradesFilterCommon fluorochromesCat. No.
Attune NxT Yellow Laser Upgrade Kit585/16PE, Alexa Fluor 532, Alexa Fluor 568100022779
620/15Alexa Fluor 594, PE-Texas Red, PE-Alexa Fluor 610
695/40PE-Alexa Fluor 700, TRI-COLOR (PE-Cy5), PE-Cy5.5, Qdot 705
780/60Qdot 800, PE-Cy 7, PE-Alexa Fluor 750
Attune NxT Red Laser Upgrade Kit670/14APC, Alexa Fluor 647, Qdot 655100022778
720/30Alexa Fluor 680, Alexa Fluor 700, APC-Alexa Fluor 700, Qdot 705
780/60APC-Alexa Fluor 750, APC-Cy7, APC-eFluor 780, Qdot 800
Attune NxT Green Laser Upgrade Kit575/36PE, Alexa Fluor 532, Alexa Fluor 555, DsRedA32701
620/15Alexa Fluor 568, Alexa Fluor 594, Qdot 605, PE-Texas Red, PE-Alexa Fluor 610
695/40Qdot 705, PE-Alexa Fluor 700, TRI-COLOR, PE-Cy5.5
780/60Qdot 800, PE-Cy7
Attune NxT Violet Laser Upgrade Kit440/50Super Bright 436, Alexa Fluor  405, eFluor 450, Pacific Blue100022777
512/25eFluor 506, Pacific Green
603/48Super Bight 600, Pacific Orange, Qdot 605
710/50Super Bright 702, Qdot 705
Attune NxT Violet 6 Conversion Kit, Blue Laser530/30Alexa Fluor 488, FITCA35428
574/26PE, PE-Alexa Fluor 610, Alexa Fluor 546
695/40PE-Alexa Fluor 700, PE-Cy5.5, PerCP, PerCP-Cy5.5, Qdot 705, TRI-COLOR
Attune NxT Violet 6 Conversion Kit, Violet Laser450/40Super Bright 436, eFluor 450, Pacific  BlueA36569
525/50eFluor 506, Pacific Green, eFluor 506
610/20Super Bright 600, Qdot 605, Pacific Orange
660/20Super Bright 645
710/50Super Bright 702, Qdot 705
780/60Super Bright 780
Attune NxT Violet 6 Conversion Kit, Red Laser670/14APC, Alexa Fluor 647, Qdot 655A36571
720/30Alexa Fluor 680, Alexa Fluor 700, APC-Alexa Fluor 700, Qdot 705
780/60APC-Alexa Fluor 750, APC-eFluor 780, APC-Cy7, Qdot 800
Attune NxT Violet 6 Conversion Kit, Yellow Laser585/16PE, Alexa Fluor 532, Alexa Fluor 568 A36572
620/15Alexa Fluor 594, PE-Texas Red, PE-Alexa Fluor 610
695/40PE-Alexa Fluor 700, TRI-COLOR, PE-Cy5.5, Qdot 705
780/60Qdot 800, PE-Cy 7, PE-Alexa Fluor 750

NOTE: One accessory kit for each laser on your instrument needs to be purchased to successfully complete V6 instrument conversion.

The Invitrogen Attune NxT Flow Cytometer was developed with acoustic-assisted hydrodynamic focusing technology, and advanced fluidics designed to minimize clogging and effectively handle a broad range of cell types. This allows for a higher degree of data, detail, and throughput that enables processing of a large range of sample types, including large clumpy cells, samples with a low concentration of cells, and precious samples, more quickly and accurately than ever before with no loss in data quality.

CiteAb award

CiteAb Award

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we are proud to receive the 2019 CiteAb award for the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer. CiteAb's Flow Cytometer to Watch in 2019 award was based on the number of published citations for the instrument.

The following applications were performed using the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer.


Microbial testing simplified using flow cytometry

The Attune NxT Flow Cytometer enables well-separated bacterial populations. For researchers working with E. coli, the available green 532 nm laser delivers distinct separation of double-live populations of dividing cells (green) and dead (red) E. coli cells (Figures 1 and 2).

Benefits

  • Easily, reliably, and quantitatively distinguish live and dead bacteria in minutes
  • Handle bacteria samples with improved clogging resistance
  • Run dilute samples in minutes

Figure 1. Staining of E. coli cells using the Invitrogen BacLight LIVE/DEAD Bacterial Viability Kit and blue laser excitation of Invitrogen SYTO 9 dye and propidium iodide (PI). Samples were analyzed on the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer at the 12.5 μL/min flow rate with an event rate of approximately 5,000 events/second. Instrument settings (voltages, threshold, and advanced settings) were set using single-color controls. The blue 488 nm laser was used for fluorescence excitation of both SYTO 9 dye and PI. SYTO 9 fluorescence emission was collected using a 530/30 nm emission (BL1), whereas propidium iodide fluorescence emission was collected using the 695/40 nm emission (BL2). In this example, a BL1 and SSC threshold was used, and results are shown without compensation. The live, SYTO 9–positive population is shown in green, and dead cells (Dead) are shown in red. Live and dead cell populations are easily distinguished.

Figure 2. Staining of E. coli cells using the BacLight LIVE/DEAD Bacterial Viability Kit using either 561 nm or 532 nm excitation of PI.E. coli cells were grown in lysogeny broth (LB) and harvested. Samples were analyzed on the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer at the 12.5 μL/min flow rate with an event rate of approximately 5,000 events/second using the blue 488 nm laser and 530/30 nm emission (BL1) for SYTO 9 detection, and (A) yellow 561 nm laser 620/15 nm emission (YL2) for detection of propidium iodide (PI). (B) Green 532 nm laser 620/15 nm emission (GL2) was used for detection of PI. BL1 and SSC thresholds were set and no compensation was performed. The live population of dividing cells (Live) is shown in green; dead cells (Dead) are shown in red. Excitation of SYTO 9 and PI with different lasers results in better separation of the populations.


Literature


Manuals



Cell types successfully analyzed on the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer

Sample typeDemonstrated examplePublished References
AlgaeNannochloropsis oculata 
BacteriaEscherichia coli
Bacillus subtilis
Legionella strains
Staphyloccus aureus 
DiatomPhaeodactylum tricornutum
HumanHuman adenocarcinoma
Human bone marrow (PBMCs)
Human bone osteosarcoma cells (U2OS)
Human cardiomyocytes 
Human corneal epithelial cells 
Human embryonic kidney (293FT)
Human endothelial cells
Human leukocytes 
Human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC)
Human red blood cells (RBC) 
Human T cell leukemia (Jurkat)
Human whole blood
MouseMouse splenocytes
Mouse T and B regulatory cells
Mouse cardiomyocytes
Mouse bone marrow
Mouse lung tissue
Mouse tumor cells
Mouse skeletal muscle
ParasitesPlasmodium falciparum
L. amazonensis, T. brucei and T. cruzi
Trypanosoma cruzi
PicophytoplanktonProchlorococcus spp;
Synechococcus spp
 
PlantsArabidopsis thaliana 
Phalaris arundinacea
Solidago canadensis
YeastCandida albicans
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Zebra fishZebra fish organs

Invitrogen Attune NxT Maintenance

Maintain your Attune NxT Acoustic Flow Cytometer in like-new condition by following these easy steps.

These additional resources are available for keeping your Attune NxT in optimal condition.

On-site service plans at a glance

Increase your lab productivity and uptime, enabling you to focus on what matters most, your research success.

ProductAB CompleteAB AssuranceAB Maintenance
Standard on-site response timeNext business day*2 business days*3 business days**
Scheduled on-site PM   
Remote instrument diagnostics   
Priority access to technical support
(Monday–Friday, standard business hours)
   
Parts, labor, and travel for repair   
Priority access to remote service engineer   
Post-PM requalification and critical repairs   
Field applications scientist (FAS) consultation   

* Availability limited in some geographic areas.
** After receipt of a purchase order.

Request a quote


Planned maintenance

Planned Maintenance service for the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer includes:

Checks completed during planned maintenance visit
System maintenance
  • visually inspect all cables
  • clean the interior and the exterior of unit
  • clean the cove tray and visor
  • clean the tube lifter
  • check the tube lifter for proper operation
Computer maintenance
  • run the disk cleanup
  • defragment the disk, only if the operating system indicates that it is recommended
Fluidics system maintenance
  • replace the SIP tube
  • inspect the instrument internally for any traces of salt residue
  • check for internal leaks and damage at all fittings, valves, pumps and syringe pump
  • replace the 1 mL syringe
  • run the system decontamination script, if not previously done by the customer
  • replace both 0.2 micron filters, if not previously done by the customer
Optics maintenance
  • inspect all optical filters. Clean only if necessary
  • verify the laser alignment, including the pinholes and blocker bar
System diagnostics
  • run the System Test and ensure that everything passes
  • ensure that the latest Attune NxT Software version is installed
  • check leak detector functionality
  • record laser hours
Attune NxT Autosampler maintenance (if applicable to unit)
  • run the Attune NxT Autosampler calibration script
  • replace syringe
Instrument performance
  • ensure that the baseline and performance tests pass the specifications

Compliance services

Get timely, cost-effective, and audit-ready documentation managed by a compliance specialist to help ensure your Attune NxT Flow Cytometer system is installed, operating, and performing to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Verify instrument performance and minimize downtime with IQ/OQ/IPV Services

Our factory-trained and experienced engineers will conduct Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Instrument Performance Verification (IPV) on the Invitrogen Attune NxT Flow Cytometer system in your lab. Documentation for audits is provided.

Find compliance documents for Installation and Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ), and Instrument Verification (IPV) for your systems


Technical & Application Support

Take the hassle out of your hands with custom solutions

Assay development & labeling services—our custom solutions to help develop the most appropriate assay for your research or discovery target of interest.

Custom antibodies—our custom antibody development, purification, and screening services deliver the quality, consistency, and performance you need.


Education services

Application and instrument training programs are available at our training centers located throughout the world, within your lab, or through web-based instruction. We offer a wide range of courses to build the skills of cellular analysis professionals and users of the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer:

  • Training Center Courses—get away from the day-to-day responsibilities of the lab and dedicate time to focus on your education needs. Courses are hosted at Thermo Fisher Scientific Training Center sites to provide professional, interactive education that includes classroom instruction and hands-on training in the laboratory.
  • Customer Site/content—courses are offered at your location by a Field Application Scientist (FAS) to provide professional, interactive education that includes hands-on instruction in your laboratory.
  • LabCoat Live—learn a specific application in as little as 1 week. Courses provide interactive education via online lectures and a self-paced hands-on experiment using provided protocols and reagents that we ship to your lab.
  • eLearning—discover new areas of interest and learn about life science topics at your own pace; courses provide education via on-demand, pre-recorded webinars.

Learn more about our Flow Cytometry Webinars
Take our T Cell Stimulation and Proliferation eLearning Course


Instrument management

Manage your instrument use and care online with Instrument Management. Whether you are responsible for one instrument or hundreds of instruments, Instrument Management enables you to easily manage your instrument use and care online.

  • 24/7 access to complete instrument service history and field service reports
  • Request online service and service contract quotes
  • Instrument software, patches, and updates
  • Online instrument scheduler for instrument availability
Online instrument scheduler for instrument availability

Find out more about Instrument Management at thermofisher.com/easiertomanage

A flow cytometer designed with your research in mind

  • Conserve sample and quickly run experiments with sample flow rates ranging from 12.5–1,000 μL/min
  • Intuitive software interface and easy-to-follow workflow that is quick to learn, teach and use
  • Save time and minimize cell handling with faster protocols
  • Expand your capabilities with up to 6 channels of detection off the violet laser

Invitrogen Attune NxT Flow Cytometer Demo Video

Designed for faster experimental run times, the Invitrogen Attune NxT compact flow cytometer offers rapid and accurate analysis for a broad range of sample types. Experience the difference.

 

Freedom of choice


An evolutionary flow cytometer


Automation for any lab

Improve your workflow for fully automated sample acquisition from 96-well and 384-well microtiter plates. There are no physical changes to the system needed in order to run plate based experiments—everything is controlled in the software.

2020 Attune NxT instrument options

This grow-with-you system can be customized with up to 4 lasers and 14 colors and now up to 6 channels off of the violet laser. The optical system was designed to provide optimal signal and has the range to detect very bright as well as dim signals. The Attune NxT Flow Cytometer allows researchers the freedom to build multicolor panels, accommodating common fluorophores and dyes. Build your multicolor panel for the Attune NxT flow cytometer with our superior reagents and antibodies.

Attune NxT Flow Cytometer configuration options

LasersLaser configuration
Cat. No.
Lasers included, No. of detection channelsTotal detection channels*
Violet, 405 nmBlue, 488 nmYellow, 561 nmGreen,
532 nm
Red, 637 nm
1Blue
A24864
A24864CFR**
Available as upgrade†
4
Available as upgrade†Available as upgrade†Available as upgrade†6
2Blue/green
A28995
A28995CFR**
Available as upgrade†
3
 
4
Available as upgrade†9
Blue/yellow
A24861
A24861CFR**
Available as upgrade†
3
4
 Available as upgrade†9
Blue/red
A24863
A24863CFR**
Available as upgrade†
4
Available as upgrade†Available as upgrade†
3
9
Blue/violet
A24862
A24862CFR**
4
4
Available as upgrade†Available as upgrade†Available as upgrade†10
Blue/violet 6
A29002
A29002CFR**
6
3
Available as upgrade† Available as upgrade†11
3Blue/green/red
A28997
A28997CFR**
Available as upgrade†
3
 
4
3
12
Blue/red/yellow
A28993
A28993CFR**
Available as upgrade†34 312
Blue/green/violet
A28999
A28999CFR**
4
3
 
4
Available as upgrade†13
Blue/violet/yellowA24859
A24859CFR**
4
3
4
 
Available as upgrade†13
Blue/red/violet
A24860
A24860CFR**
4
4
Available as upgrade†Available as upgrade†
3
13
Blue/red/violet 6
A29003
A29003CFR**
6
3
Available as upgrade† 
3
14
4Blue/red/violet/green
A29001
A29001CFR**
4
3
 
4
3
16
Blue/red/yellow/violet
A24858
A24858CFR**
4
3
4
 
3
16
Blue/red/yellow/violet 6
A29004
A29004CFR**
6
2
3
 
3
16
* Number of detection channels includes all fluorescence channels as well as a forward scatter and a side scatter channel.
† Attune NxT Flow Cytometer owners wishing to purchase a laser upgrade should request a quote here: Yellow Laser Upgrade, Violet Laser UpgradeRed Laser Upgrade, or Green Laser Upgrade. After we receive your quote request, a technical sales specialist will contact you about upgrade options.
** Instrument package comes with a 21 CFR part 11 Software License and an Attune NxT software license.

Are you comparing the specifications of more than one flow cytometer?

A specification is derived from a specific test or calculation, but these tests aren’t standardized across instrument developers and may be misleading in a side-by-side comparison because their values may have been calculated in different ways, despite sharing the same terminology. This 8-page Comparing Technical Specification Documents resource offers helpful tips on deciphering variations.

Download the tip sheet

Optics
  • Laser power (as shown in table below)
    LaserWavelength (nm)Beam-shaping optics (BSO)* (mW)Diode power** (mW)
    Violet40550100
    Blue48850100
    Green532100140
    Yellow56150100
    Red637100140
    * Amount of measured usable laser power after light has gone through the beam optics and shaping filters.
    ** Vendor-specified theoretical maximum.
  • Laser excitation: Optimized excitation for minimized stray laser-line noise and losses to reflection 
  • Laser profile: 10 μm x 50 μm flat-top laser providing robust alignment 
  • Emission filters: Up to 14 color channels with wavelength-tuned photomultiplier tubes (PMTs); user-changeable, keyed filters 
  • Laser separation: 150 μm 
  • Optical alignment: Fixed alignment with prealigned welded fiber; no user maintenance require
  • Onboard thermal-electric cooler: No warm-up delay; fiber isn't affected by on/off 
  • Simmer mode: Instant on/off reduces usage and/or aging by 10x; only keep it "on" when acquiring samples; reports hours of usage
  • Flat top specified at the flow cell: CV <3% over width of flat top
  • Upgradable: Convenient field changes
Fluidics
  • Flow cell: Quartz cuvette gel coupled to 1.2 numerical aperture (NA) collection lens, 200 x 200 μm
  • Sample analysis volume: 20 μL to 4 mL
  • Custom sample flow rates: 12.5–1,000 μL/min
  • Sample delivery: Positive-displacement syringe pump for volumetric analysis
  • Sample tubes: Accommodates tubes from 17 x 100 mm to 8.5 x 45 mm
  • Fluid-level sensing: Active
  • Standard fluid reservoirs: 1.8 L focusing fluid tank, 1.8 L waste tank, 175 mL shutdown solution tank, and 175 mL wash solution tank
  • Fluid storage: All fluids stored within instrument
  • Extended fluidics option: Configuration for 10 L fluid
  • Nominal fluid consumption: 1.8 L/day
  • Automated maintenance cycles: ≤15 min startup and shutdown—deep clean, sanitize, and debubble modes
Performance
  • Fluorescence sensitivity: ≤80 MESF for FITC, ≤30 MESF for PE, ≤70 MESF for APC
  • Fluorescence resolution: CV <3% for the singlet peak of propidium iodide–stained chicken erythrocyte nuclei (CEN)
  • Data acquisition rate: Up to 35,000 events/sec, 34 parameters, based on a 10% coincidence rate per Poisson statistics
  • Maximum electronic speed: 65,000 events/sec with all parameters
  • Carryover: Single-tube format: <1%
  • Forward and side scatter sensitivity: Able to discriminate platelets from noise
  • Forward and side scatter resolution: Optimized to resolve lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes in lysed whole blood
  • Forward scatter: Photodiode detector with 488/10 nm bandpass filter
  • Side scatter: PMT with default 488/10 nm bandpass filter; optional 405/10 nm bandpass filter
  • Fluorescent detectors: 14 individual detectors
  • Electronic pulse: Measured area, height and width pulse for all detectors
  • Violet side scatter resolution: Can be configured for violet side scatter to better resolve particles from noise
  • Minimum particle size: 0.2 μm on side scatter using Bangs Laboratories, Inc.™ Submicron Bead Calibration Kit (Cat. No. 832)
    • 0.1 μm on side scatter under following conditions: Using an Attune NxT Flow Cytometer standard 0.5 mm blocking configuration, an Attune NxT 488/10 Filter (Cat. No. 100083194) and using Attune Focusing Fluid (Cat. No. 4488621, 4449791, or A24904) that has been 0.025 filtered.
Software
  • Compensation: Full matrix—automated and manual modes, on-plot compensation tools for fine adjustment; use of tubes and wells
  • Flow rate: Precise flow rate control via software; no hardware adjustments
  • Live streaming: Live update of statistics during acquisition of events up to 35,000 events/sec
  • Overlays: Comparative analysis between samples; 3D view
  • Sample recovery: System able to return unused samples
  • Concentration: Direct concentration measurement without use of counting beads
  • Software layout: Fully customizable for each user account
  • Bubble detection technology: Stops automated run to preserve sample integrity
  • Maximum single-event file: 20 million with option to append
  • Heat map: Set up for definition of plate layout; screening view for analysis for tubes and plates
  • Threshold: Up to 4 individual thresholds with user option to apply Boolean logic
  • Gating: Hierarchal gating with the ability to derive gates
  • Smartgate labeling: Option to annotate quad gate names based on fluorophore and target names
  • Voltage: User adjustable
  • Window extensions: User adjustable
  • Area scaling factor (ASF): User adjustable
  • Acquisition settings: Documented in FCS files and maintained upon import
  • Templates: Create from existing experiments—instrument settings, workspaces, run protocols, heat map settings, and compensation settings optimized and defined previously
  • Tube-to-plate conversion: One-click transition from tubes to plates and vice versa; no disassembly, no additional QC, no reboot required for conversion between plates and tubes
  • Graphics resolution: Publication-quality images; support for TIF, PNG, BMP, JPG, GIF, and EMF; quickly copy and paste plots to any external application (e.g., Microsoft™ PowerPoint™ software)
  • User account administration: Administrative creation of individual user accounts with designated roles, advanced setting permissions, management of individual accounts, user time tracking, and sample count
Quality and regulatory
  • Instrument tracking: Automated daily baseline and performance test with Levey-Jennings plots
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Production verification testing: Each instrument is tested and verified for assembly integrity and performance to specifications
  • Quality management system: Manufacturing standards comply with the requirements of ISO 13485:2003
  • Robust install specifications: Units installed by engineer; preplanning checklist, delivery, installation, and performance validation comply with standardized procedure
  • For Research Use Only
Data management
  • Software requirements: Invitrogen Attune NxT Software
  • Monitor: 23-inch flat panel (1,920 x 1,080 resolution); dual-monitor capability
  • Computer: Minitower desktop
  • Operating system: Windows™ 10 64-bit
  • FCS format: FCS 3.1, 3.0
  • Processor: Intel Core™ i7 processor
  • RAM: 32 GB
  • Hard drives: 2 x 2TB SATA 6.0Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 64MB data burst cache; Controller RAID1, integrated
Installation requirements
  • Electrical requirements: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, <150 W. Thermo Fisher Scientific certifies that the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer conforms to relevant directives to bear the CE mark. The instrument also conforms to the UL and CAN/CSA general requirements (61010.1). The Attune NxT Flow Cytometer is a Class I laser product per CDRH regulations and EN/IEC 60825.
  • Heat dissipation: <150 W
  • Temperature operating ranges: 15–30°C (59–86°F)
  • Operating humidity: 10–90%, noncondensing
  • Audible noise: <65 dBA at 1.0 m
  • Instrument size (H x W x D): ~40 x 58 x 43 cm (16 x 23 x 17 in.), including fluid bottles
  • Weight: ~29 kg (64 lb)
  • Available configurations (see Attune NxT Flow Cytometer configuration options table)

Simple yet powerful software to aid in your research and workflows

Invitrogen Attune NxT Software is designed to provide powerful data acquisition and analysis using an intuitive, user-friendly interface. The instrument software features and benefits include:

  • Compensation—fully automated and manual compensation
  • Instrument tracking—automated baseline and performance test for all channels and linearity
  • Automated maintenance—startup (<15 min), shutdown, rinse, wash, debubble, deep clean,
    monthly decontamination
  • User account maintenance—administrative and individual accounts with user log
  • Gates—standard and customizable gates
  • Plot previews—easy workspace setup
  • Zoom filmstrip viewer—easy visualization and navigation of plots to set gates and plot attributes
  • File formats—FCS 3.0 and FCS 3.1
  • Graphics resolution—publication-quality images (customizable)
  • Traceability—21 CFR part 11 for security, auditing, and electronic signature capabilities

Learn more about software for the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer

screenshot showing software features
 Click image to enlarge

Transforming capabilities

Attune NxT upgradesFilterCommon fluorochromesCat. No.
Attune NxT Yellow Laser Upgrade Kit585/16PE, Alexa Fluor 532, Alexa Fluor 568100022779
620/15Alexa Fluor 594, PE-Texas Red, PE-Alexa Fluor 610
695/40PE-Alexa Fluor 700, TRI-COLOR (PE-Cy5), PE-Cy5.5, Qdot 705
780/60Qdot 800, PE-Cy 7, PE-Alexa Fluor 750
Attune NxT Red Laser Upgrade Kit670/14APC, Alexa Fluor 647, Qdot 655100022778
720/30Alexa Fluor 680, Alexa Fluor 700, APC-Alexa Fluor 700, Qdot 705
780/60APC-Alexa Fluor 750, APC-Cy7, APC-eFluor 780, Qdot 800
Attune NxT Green Laser Upgrade Kit575/36PE, Alexa Fluor 532, Alexa Fluor 555, DsRedA32701
620/15Alexa Fluor 568, Alexa Fluor 594, Qdot 605, PE-Texas Red, PE-Alexa Fluor 610
695/40Qdot 705, PE-Alexa Fluor 700, TRI-COLOR, PE-Cy5.5
780/60Qdot 800, PE-Cy7
Attune NxT Violet Laser Upgrade Kit440/50Super Bright 436, Alexa Fluor  405, eFluor 450, Pacific Blue100022777
512/25eFluor 506, Pacific Green
603/48Super Bight 600, Pacific Orange, Qdot 605
710/50Super Bright 702, Qdot 705
Attune NxT Violet 6 Conversion Kit, Blue Laser530/30Alexa Fluor 488, FITCA35428
574/26PE, PE-Alexa Fluor 610, Alexa Fluor 546
695/40PE-Alexa Fluor 700, PE-Cy5.5, PerCP, PerCP-Cy5.5, Qdot 705, TRI-COLOR
Attune NxT Violet 6 Conversion Kit, Violet Laser450/40Super Bright 436, eFluor 450, Pacific  BlueA36569
525/50eFluor 506, Pacific Green, eFluor 506
610/20Super Bright 600, Qdot 605, Pacific Orange
660/20Super Bright 645
710/50Super Bright 702, Qdot 705
780/60Super Bright 780
Attune NxT Violet 6 Conversion Kit, Red Laser670/14APC, Alexa Fluor 647, Qdot 655A36571
720/30Alexa Fluor 680, Alexa Fluor 700, APC-Alexa Fluor 700, Qdot 705
780/60APC-Alexa Fluor 750, APC-eFluor 780, APC-Cy7, Qdot 800
Attune NxT Violet 6 Conversion Kit, Yellow Laser585/16PE, Alexa Fluor 532, Alexa Fluor 568 A36572
620/15Alexa Fluor 594, PE-Texas Red, PE-Alexa Fluor 610
695/40PE-Alexa Fluor 700, TRI-COLOR, PE-Cy5.5, Qdot 705
780/60Qdot 800, PE-Cy 7, PE-Alexa Fluor 750

NOTE: One accessory kit for each laser on your instrument needs to be purchased to successfully complete V6 instrument conversion.

The Invitrogen Attune NxT Flow Cytometer was developed with acoustic-assisted hydrodynamic focusing technology, and advanced fluidics designed to minimize clogging and effectively handle a broad range of cell types. This allows for a higher degree of data, detail, and throughput that enables processing of a large range of sample types, including large clumpy cells, samples with a low concentration of cells, and precious samples, more quickly and accurately than ever before with no loss in data quality.

CiteAb award

CiteAb Award

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we are proud to receive the 2019 CiteAb award for the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer. CiteAb's Flow Cytometer to Watch in 2019 award was based on the number of published citations for the instrument.

The following applications were performed using the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer.


Microbial testing simplified using flow cytometry

The Attune NxT Flow Cytometer enables well-separated bacterial populations. For researchers working with E. coli, the available green 532 nm laser delivers distinct separation of double-live populations of dividing cells (green) and dead (red) E. coli cells (Figures 1 and 2).

Benefits

  • Easily, reliably, and quantitatively distinguish live and dead bacteria in minutes
  • Handle bacteria samples with improved clogging resistance
  • Run dilute samples in minutes

Figure 1. Staining of E. coli cells using the Invitrogen BacLight LIVE/DEAD Bacterial Viability Kit and blue laser excitation of Invitrogen SYTO 9 dye and propidium iodide (PI). Samples were analyzed on the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer at the 12.5 μL/min flow rate with an event rate of approximately 5,000 events/second. Instrument settings (voltages, threshold, and advanced settings) were set using single-color controls. The blue 488 nm laser was used for fluorescence excitation of both SYTO 9 dye and PI. SYTO 9 fluorescence emission was collected using a 530/30 nm emission (BL1), whereas propidium iodide fluorescence emission was collected using the 695/40 nm emission (BL2). In this example, a BL1 and SSC threshold was used, and results are shown without compensation. The live, SYTO 9–positive population is shown in green, and dead cells (Dead) are shown in red. Live and dead cell populations are easily distinguished.

Figure 2. Staining of E. coli cells using the BacLight LIVE/DEAD Bacterial Viability Kit using either 561 nm or 532 nm excitation of PI.E. coli cells were grown in lysogeny broth (LB) and harvested. Samples were analyzed on the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer at the 12.5 μL/min flow rate with an event rate of approximately 5,000 events/second using the blue 488 nm laser and 530/30 nm emission (BL1) for SYTO 9 detection, and (A) yellow 561 nm laser 620/15 nm emission (YL2) for detection of propidium iodide (PI). (B) Green 532 nm laser 620/15 nm emission (GL2) was used for detection of PI. BL1 and SSC thresholds were set and no compensation was performed. The live population of dividing cells (Live) is shown in green; dead cells (Dead) are shown in red. Excitation of SYTO 9 and PI with different lasers results in better separation of the populations.


Literature


Manuals



Cell types successfully analyzed on the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer

Sample typeDemonstrated examplePublished References
AlgaeNannochloropsis oculata 
BacteriaEscherichia coli
Bacillus subtilis
Legionella strains
Staphyloccus aureus 
DiatomPhaeodactylum tricornutum
HumanHuman adenocarcinoma
Human bone marrow (PBMCs)
Human bone osteosarcoma cells (U2OS)
Human cardiomyocytes 
Human corneal epithelial cells 
Human embryonic kidney (293FT)
Human endothelial cells
Human leukocytes 
Human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC)
Human red blood cells (RBC) 
Human T cell leukemia (Jurkat)
Human whole blood
MouseMouse splenocytes
Mouse T and B regulatory cells
Mouse cardiomyocytes
Mouse bone marrow
Mouse lung tissue
Mouse tumor cells
Mouse skeletal muscle
ParasitesPlasmodium falciparum
L. amazonensis, T. brucei and T. cruzi
Trypanosoma cruzi
PicophytoplanktonProchlorococcus spp;
Synechococcus spp
 
PlantsArabidopsis thaliana 
Phalaris arundinacea
Solidago canadensis
YeastCandida albicans
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Zebra fishZebra fish organs

Invitrogen Attune NxT Maintenance

Maintain your Attune NxT Acoustic Flow Cytometer in like-new condition by following these easy steps.

These additional resources are available for keeping your Attune NxT in optimal condition.

On-site service plans at a glance

Increase your lab productivity and uptime, enabling you to focus on what matters most, your research success.

ProductAB CompleteAB AssuranceAB Maintenance
Standard on-site response timeNext business day*2 business days*3 business days**
Scheduled on-site PM   
Remote instrument diagnostics   
Priority access to technical support
(Monday–Friday, standard business hours)
   
Parts, labor, and travel for repair   
Priority access to remote service engineer   
Post-PM requalification and critical repairs   
Field applications scientist (FAS) consultation   

* Availability limited in some geographic areas.
** After receipt of a purchase order.

Request a quote


Planned maintenance

Planned Maintenance service for the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer includes:

Checks completed during planned maintenance visit
System maintenance
  • visually inspect all cables
  • clean the interior and the exterior of unit
  • clean the cove tray and visor
  • clean the tube lifter
  • check the tube lifter for proper operation
Computer maintenance
  • run the disk cleanup
  • defragment the disk, only if the operating system indicates that it is recommended
Fluidics system maintenance
  • replace the SIP tube
  • inspect the instrument internally for any traces of salt residue
  • check for internal leaks and damage at all fittings, valves, pumps and syringe pump
  • replace the 1 mL syringe
  • run the system decontamination script, if not previously done by the customer
  • replace both 0.2 micron filters, if not previously done by the customer
Optics maintenance
  • inspect all optical filters. Clean only if necessary
  • verify the laser alignment, including the pinholes and blocker bar
System diagnostics
  • run the System Test and ensure that everything passes
  • ensure that the latest Attune NxT Software version is installed
  • check leak detector functionality
  • record laser hours
Attune NxT Autosampler maintenance (if applicable to unit)
  • run the Attune NxT Autosampler calibration script
  • replace syringe
Instrument performance
  • ensure that the baseline and performance tests pass the specifications

Compliance services

Get timely, cost-effective, and audit-ready documentation managed by a compliance specialist to help ensure your Attune NxT Flow Cytometer system is installed, operating, and performing to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Verify instrument performance and minimize downtime with IQ/OQ/IPV Services

Our factory-trained and experienced engineers will conduct Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Instrument Performance Verification (IPV) on the Invitrogen Attune NxT Flow Cytometer system in your lab. Documentation for audits is provided.

Find compliance documents for Installation and Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ), and Instrument Verification (IPV) for your systems


Technical & Application Support

Take the hassle out of your hands with custom solutions

Assay development & labeling services—our custom solutions to help develop the most appropriate assay for your research or discovery target of interest.

Custom antibodies—our custom antibody development, purification, and screening services deliver the quality, consistency, and performance you need.


Education services

Application and instrument training programs are available at our training centers located throughout the world, within your lab, or through web-based instruction. We offer a wide range of courses to build the skills of cellular analysis professionals and users of the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer:

  • Training Center Courses—get away from the day-to-day responsibilities of the lab and dedicate time to focus on your education needs. Courses are hosted at Thermo Fisher Scientific Training Center sites to provide professional, interactive education that includes classroom instruction and hands-on training in the laboratory.
  • Customer Site/content—courses are offered at your location by a Field Application Scientist (FAS) to provide professional, interactive education that includes hands-on instruction in your laboratory.
  • LabCoat Live—learn a specific application in as little as 1 week. Courses provide interactive education via online lectures and a self-paced hands-on experiment using provided protocols and reagents that we ship to your lab.
  • eLearning—discover new areas of interest and learn about life science topics at your own pace; courses provide education via on-demand, pre-recorded webinars.

Learn more about our Flow Cytometry Webinars
Take our T Cell Stimulation and Proliferation eLearning Course


Instrument management

Manage your instrument use and care online with Instrument Management. Whether you are responsible for one instrument or hundreds of instruments, Instrument Management enables you to easily manage your instrument use and care online.

  • 24/7 access to complete instrument service history and field service reports
  • Request online service and service contract quotes
  • Instrument software, patches, and updates
  • Online instrument scheduler for instrument availability
Online instrument scheduler for instrument availability

Find out more about Instrument Management at thermofisher.com/easiertomanage

3D Demo: Explore the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer and Autosampler

A software tool for exploring the hardware, software, optics and fluidics of the Attune NxT Flow Cytometer. Hot spots throughout the tool feature data, researcher opinions, and technical specifications. Mouse operation enables rotation, zoom, and measurement. Available in 8 languages.

Service plans

Optimize your instrument performance, maximize the availability of your critical systems, and streamline your laboratory workflows. Choose the level of support for your Attune NxT Flow Cytometer that best meets your laboratory's needs and budget:

Consumables and accessories

In addition to accessories such as sample syringes, find the Invitrogen Attune solutions necessary to operate your Attune NxT Flow Cytometer including:

  • Attune Focusing Fluid
  • Attune Wash Solution
  • Attune Shutdown Solution
  • Attune Performance Tracking Beads

Resources

Not for resale. Super Bright Polymer Dyes are sold under license from Becton, Dickinson and Company.