PCV Packed Cell Volume Tube

PCV Cell Measurement Tube – fast and reproducible biomass determination

The PCV cell measurement tube enables fast, simple, and reproducible determination of packed cell volume (PCV) for monitoring cell growth and biomass in culture processes.

In process development and parameter optimization workflows, where large numbers of samples are generated, the system provides a cost-efficient and rapid alternative to automated cell counters or imaging-based analytical systems. Results are read directly using a simple visual "easy read" measuring device, without the need for electronic instrumentation.

Compared to advanced analytical devices, the PCV method significantly reduces investment costs, maintenance requirements, and measurement time, while maintaining reliable reproducibility in routine laboratory use.

Measurement principle & workflow

A short centrifugation step (1 minute at 2,500 × g) is sufficient to pellet cells in the calibrated capillary. The cell volume is then directly read using the integrated scale or "easy read" measuring device.

Advantages vs. analytical cell counting systems

No expensive automated cell counters required
Reduced workflow complexity in the laboratory
Very short time per measurement
Robust, no software or calibration dependencies
Ideal for process development, DoE studies, and routine monitoring

Key features

Calibrated PCV capillary for reproducible volume determination
Optional volumetric scale integration
Fast measurement without electronic readout systems
Compatible with microcentrifuges
Suitable for parallel sample processing in screening and optimization workflows

Determining cell number density is a routine task in virtually all laboratories working with cell cultures. The most widely used method—manual counting with a hemocytometer—is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to user-dependent variability, with an estimated error margin of approximately 15%.

The PCV system offers a fast, user-friendly, and reproducible alternative to manual cell counting. PCV tubes enable the determination of packed cell volume (PCV) in a cell suspension, providing quantitative data that correlates well with key parameters such as cell number, protein content, and metabolic activity.

Unlike automated cell counting systems, PCV tubes require neither specialized training nor expensive instrumentation. This makes the method particularly convenient for routine laboratory use, while delivering robust and reproducible results in a cost-efficient workflow.

Good to know!

Calculation of cell density:

To determine the cell density from the biomass (PCV %) a calibration line must be established.

Take a 2 ml sample from a well mixed cell suspension.
Carry out a double determination for the PCV value (%) and for the cell density using the counting chamber (cell number/ml).
The frequency of sampling and measurements performed depends on the growth rate (doubling time) of the cells.
Enter the determined mean values in a table and create a diagram
Determine the linear equation based on the measured values
The cell density of a sample [cell number/ml] can be calculated from the determined straight line equatio

y = mx + b

m = Increase of the straight line
y = PCV [%]
x = Cell density [cell number/mL]
b = ordinate section

Cell density=(PCV-b)/m

Advices

With a very high density of the cells, the samples must not be diluted, simply reduce the sample volume. Samples from the same series should be treated accordingly.
For bacteria measurement the parameters have to be adjusted, for example higher gx-force, smaller volume, etc.
Use a centrifuge with a swinging bucket rotor accommodating 1.5 | 2 ml centrifuge tubes. Alternatively, you can either place the PCV tubes in 15 ml conical bottom centrifuge tubes or run them in the appropriate rotor or you can apply a fixed angle rotor instead.

Downloads

Instruction for use IFU
Chemical resistance

Type	Product No.	Version	Volume (ml)	Dimensions (mm)	Material	Qty / Bag	Qty / Case	Case (kg)
	87005	with graduations, without cap	1	10.5 x 43	PS	50	250	0.6
	87007	no graduations, without cap	1	10.5 x 43	PS	50	150	0.2
	87008	cap for PCV tube	-	13.5	PE	50	150	0.1