I am a physician and am very good at what I do. However, I am equally poor at things I do not do, which in this case is understanding the best type of in office Automated cell counter for my practice.

My goal is to have a small, in office machine, which has the ability to accurately and consistently compare whole blood and bone marrow with post-centrifuged samples in an effort to obtain meaningful information for injectate composition. I am open to any and all thoughts on possible benefits to certain information, as I am limited in even the knowledge of what could/would be available to me in such a machine. ie, I don't want to require the ability to designate CD-44 and CD-90+, if the reality is that this is not feasible in such a machine.

To that end, what I do require is the ability to evaluate whole blood/bone marrow aspirate and centrifuged samples for:

Platelet concentration

Nucleated cells

Leukocytes if possible, with diff

If possible:

Anything which would give me a more accurate determination on MSC % in a sample.

Anything with the potential to determine concentration of Growth factors

Anything concerning the above, which would have a likelihood of helping guide future treatments

Requirements:

Size: Nothing larger than an office copier, but prefer something table top.

Cost: This is more variable, but is a 'bang for my buck' type of situation. Accuracy, reliability, usefulness, and value go hand in hand.

Consumables: I would prefer a 'cartridge' type consumable, but this is purely for ease of use. Again Accuracy, reliability, usefulness, and value go hand in hand.

Ease of use: Something which will allow my technologist to perform the test with minimal difficulty and maximal reliability. This includes everything required to go from a 'syringe with WB to a pipette with a centrifuged sample.

Speed: Needs to be useful within a couple minute time frame. Decisions on the procedure will be made after the results are obtained, so a quick turn around is a must.

This is a large order, and the simple fact that I have written the above is testimony to my lack of knowledge on the subject. But, I would like your opinions and recommendations, if you'd be so kind. Even recommendations on where to go to gain a better understanding of what can be done vs dreams/delusions. Cell counters are everywhere, but knowledge is key in this aspect and I wish to make the best decision I am able, based upon gaining that knowledge from good sources, rather than a flashy video and marketer luncheon.