BD FACSCelesta™ Cell Analyzer

The BD FACSCelesta™ Cell Analyzer​ is a high-performance, benchtop multicolor flow cytometer designed by BD Biosciences to make advanced cellular analysis more accessible, flexible, and efficient for research laboratories. Engineered to deliver deep and powerful insights directly at the individual researcher’s bench, the FACSCelesta system enables the detection and analysis of up to 14 parameters within a single sample. This capability allows scientists to run highly multiplexed assays, characterizing complex cell populations, phenotypes, and functions simultaneously without needing to split precious samples across multiple runs. Its compact footprint houses a sophisticated optical and fluidic architecture, making it an ideal solution for immunology, cell biology, microbiology, and translational research labs that require core-facility grade data quality with the convenience of a personal instrument.

A standout feature of the BD FACSCelesta is its versatile laser configuration. Researchers can choose from four different optical setups to best match their panel design needs. All configurations come standard with a 488 nm blue laser and a 405 nm violet laser. Depending on the selected model, these can be paired with a 640 nm red laser, a 355 nm ultraviolet (UV) laser, or a 561 nm yellow-green laser. This flexibility opens up a vast fluorescence spectrum, allowing the use of a wide array of fluorochromes. Crucially, the optical system—including lasers, dichroic mirrors, bandpass filters, and detectors—is specifically optimized for use with BD Horizon Brilliant™ Dyes. These polymer-based fluorescent dyes provide exceptionally bright signals compared to traditional organic dyes and phycobiliproteins, enabling the clear resolution of rare cell populations and cells expressing low-density antigens that are often missed by conventional reagents.

The fluidics system of the FACSCelesta is designed for both precision and user convenience. It supports sample acquisition from standard tubes as well as microtiter plates when equipped with the optional BD High Throughput Sampler (HTS). The HTS option allows for rapid, fully automated processing of 96-well and 384-well plates (U-bottom, V-bottom, and flat-bottom), completing a 96-well plate in less than 15 minutes with less than 1% carryover between samples. For labs requiring extended run times and reduced maintenance, the optional BD FACSFlow™ Supply System (FFSS) offers a mobile fluidics cart equipped with two 20-liter Cubitainers™ for sheath fluid and waste. Integrated fluidic sensors maintain constant pressure and provide alerts when liquid levels are low or full, ensuring uninterrupted workflow. A digital control panel on the instrument allows for easy real-time monitoring and adjustment of operational status.

Operating on the renowned BD FACSDiva™ Software platform, the FACSCelesta streamlines the entire flow cytometry workflow, from assay setup and acquisition to complex data analysis. The software includes BD’s Calibration and Standardization Technology (CS&T), which uses setup beads to automatically calibrate detector voltages and ensure consistent, reproducible data day after day. Whether analyzing whole blood, cell lines, yeast, or performing tasks such as immunophenotyping, cell cycle analysis, cytokine detection, or measuring cell health and function, the BD FACSCelesta Cell Analyzer provides a reliable, sensitive, and highly customizable platform that empowers researchers to drive deeper scientific discoveries.

Technical Specifications