For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Fluorescence Imaging for Rare Cell Detection
Detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) remains a significant analytical challenge due to their extreme rarity. Only about 1–10 CTCs are typically present per mL of whole blood, and current technologies often must identify a single CTC among nearly 10 million nucleated blood cells. This rarity drives the need for highly sensitive platforms capable of resolving these exceptionally scarce events.
The Detection Challenge
The AXON Dx imaging systems were originally developed to address the technical challenges of circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection and have evolved into adaptable rare-cell research platforms.
1 in 10,000,000
A single CTC among nearly 10 million nucleated blood cells per mL of blood
Key Capabilities
AXON Dx imaging systems integrate precision optics, automated scanning, and AI-driven analytics into a unified platform architecture.
Multi-Channel Fluorescence Imaging
High-resolution multi-spectral fluorescence imaging enables simultaneous visualization of multiple biomarkers across the full slide area, providing rich phenotypic data for each detected cell.
Automated Whole-Slide Scanning
Fully automated slide scanning eliminates manual search bias and ensures complete sample coverage, capturing every rare event present in the specimen.
High-Resolution Digital Image Capture
High-fidelity digital capture preserves morphological detail at the cellular and subcellular level, supporting downstream characterization and archiving.
AI-Assisted Cellular Identification
Artificial intelligence driven algorithms identify and classify rare cells — distinguishing CTCs, CSCs, TILs, and circulating endothelial cells from background populations with high specificity.
Structured Data Archiving
All scan data, cell coordinates, and image captures are stored in a structured format for longitudinal tracking, retrospective analysis, and collaborative research workflows.
AXON Dx's nCyte™
The nCyte™ Platform
AXON Dx's nCyte™ technology scans un-enriched blood samples in minutes, finds all classes of rare cells such as CTCs shed by solid tumors, and offers morphological and proteomic and genomic characterization of positive cells.
Un-enriched samples
No pre-processing or cell enrichment required — scan whole blood directly
Minutes per scan
Rapid automated scanning reduces time-to-result for research workflows
All rare cell classes
CTCs, CSCs, TILs, circulating endothelial cells, and more
Multi-modal characterization
Morphological, proteomic, and genomic characterization of positive cells
Reagent Systems
nPAC™ Reagent Kits
AXON Dx reagent kits are formulated to work in concert with the nCyte™ platform, enabling consistent, reproducible rare-cell detection across sample types and research workflows.
nPAC™ Reagent System
A complete reagent system designed for rare-cell staining and identification in un-enriched blood samples.
Dx nPAC™ Circulating Epithelial Cell Kit
Optimized for circulating epithelial cell detection, supporting CTC research and translational oncology investigations.
Integrated Analysis Software
The nCyte™ system pairs with purpose-built analysis software for AI-assisted rare cell identification, morphological review, and data export — delivering a complete end-to-end workflow.
Cells Detected by the AXON Dx Platform
Representative fluorescence microscopy images from AXON Dx imaging systems. Each image shows rare cells identified among thousands of normal blood cells.
Lung Cancer Stem Cell
Endometrial CSC Hybrid
Prostate Circulating Tumor Cell
Lung Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte
Cervical Circulating Tumor Cell
Apoptotic Circulating Tumor Cell
Images are representative research data. For Research Use Only.
Research Applications
AXON Dx products are designed to support research and translational investigations in:
Circulating Tumor Cell Studies
Enumerate and characterize CTCs shed by solid tumors across lung, prostate, cervical, endometrial, and other cancer types.
Rare-Cell Enumeration
Detect and quantify rare cell populations including CTCs, CSCs, TILs, and circulating endothelial cells in un-enriched blood samples.
Oncology Biomarker Research
Investigate rare cell phenotypes as potential biomarkers across solid tumor types in research and translational settings.
Assay Feasibility and Validation Studies
Support feasibility studies, biomarker validation, and assay optimization with structured, archivable scan data.
Academic and Industry Collaborations
Partner with academic institutions, research hospitals, and industry collaborators to advance rare cell detection science.
Collaboration
AXON Dx engages in research collaborations and strategic technology partnerships within the rare-cell detection ecosystem.