nCounter® Analysis Systems for Biomarker Validation and Biomarker Development

nCounter Pro Analysis System instrument

Accelerate Your Insights Today

With robust performance on even the most difficult sample types and unparalleled flexibility in content and throughput, the nCounter®️ Analysis System empowers you to rapidly translate your basic science discoveries into actionable clinical insights.

nCounter technology provides a robust method for multiplexing up to 800 gene expression targets using direct detection technology. The simple, efficient workflow requires just 15 minutes hands-on time for most panels using an automated benchtop processing system and produces highly reproducible data, requiring no amplification or technical replicates in less than 24 hours. This workflow rapidly accelerates biomarker validation and biomarker development, providing gene expression data you can count on.

Gene Expression You Can Count On

Robust Performance
Flexible Assays
Efficient Workflow
Robust Performance
  • Gold-standard repeatability (linear regression coefficient R2 >0.95)
  • Dynamic range of greater than five logs for detection of low, medium and high expressors
  • Compatible with any sample type (FFPE, FF, blood, lysates, exomes, etc.)
  • No sample prep needed – no cDNA conversion, no RT, no amplification
  • Panel standards available to normalize data for longitudinal studies
  • Track record for successful multi-site studies for all stages of all stages of biomarker development (biomarker discovery, biomarker validation, etc.)
  • Published results in over 7,000 peer-reviewed publications

Highly Reproducible Results:
3 Labs, 3 Countries, Same Results

R2 values: Site 1 vs. Site 2 = 0.97, Site 1 vs. Site 3 = 0.98.
From Northcott et al. (2012) Acta Neuropathologica

Broad Sample Compatibility

nCounter is compatible with most sample types, including even decades-old FFPE. It produces high quality data that would otherwise be difficult to produce with technologies that rely on high sample input. Consistent results can even be generated for longitudinal studies with a high degree of confidence on clinical-grade (often degraded) samples. This is particularly important for biomarker development activities, including biomarker validation.

Crude RNA

FFPE

Fresh Frozen

Blood

Plasma

Serum

Cell Lysates

Flexible Assays
  • 800+ plex data cover relevant biology for targeted applications
  • Curated content designed to accelerate biomarker development
  • Extensive menu of ready-to-ship panels designed with input from industry experts
  • Customize any standard panel with 55 genes with Panel Plus
  • In-house bioinformatics team available to collaborate on custom panel design
  • Overlapping content with NanoString’s spatial technologies

nCounter’s off-the-shelf gene expression panels are available that cover a wide variety of biological pathways and research areas. All panels are created with input from experts in the field and are updated regularly.

Explore our available panels with the Panel Pro selection tool »

Efficient Workflow

Simple and Efficient Workflow

The nCounter workflow features walk-away automation and less than 15 minutes of hands on time. Most protocols require only 4 pipetting steps and generate results in less than 24 hours.

Options exist to increase or decrease throughput as needed (12-576 per day)

  • Options to increase throughput with additional Prep Stations
  • Screen large amounts of samples (x8 sample per well) at once with PlexSet™ reagents

How it Works

Direct Digital Detection Chemistry

Fully automated and easy-to-use, the nCounter Analysis System provides everything you need to cost-effectively complete your projects in record time. Learn more about DNA barcoding »

 

Applications

nCounter offers dozens of expertly curated gene expression panels over a wide variety of research areas. All panels are created with input from experts in the field and are updated regularly.

nCounter is also widely recognized as an ideal platform for biomarker development in numerous fields of study.

Oncology protein rendering

Oncology

Curated content focuses on clinical research, immuno-oncology, cancer metabolism, CAR-T cell therapy, and more.

Immunology

Explore the onset and progression of disorders such as autoimmunity, fibrosis, and organ rejection.

Infectious Disease

Research the pathogenesis and host response in humans and model organisms, or spike in probes for specific viruses.

Neuroscience

Explore content focusing on neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, Alzheimer’s disease or glial profiling.

Art of a DNA strand leading into a virus-like sphere

Cell & Gene Therapy

Introduce molecular characterization into CAR-T or stem cell development, or standardize the gene therapy development process.

3D Illustration of DNA strands

Gene Signatures

NanoString offers gene signatures ready for implementation in your translational research and clinical development programs.

Cardiovascular Disease

Explore how cardiovascular disfunction contributes to heart disease, hypertension and arteriosclerosis.

Product Information

System Selection Guide
Data Analysis
Spatial Integration
System Selection Guide

nCounter System Throughput

Data Analysis

Heatmap generated using nSolver™  Analysis Software

Interact with animated visualizations on the ROSALIND® Platform

In addition to the basic analysis, QC and normalization capabilities of nSolver, an Advanced Analysis add-on extends your analysis capabilities for a deeper understanding of cell populations and pathway analysis. Similar to cell counting, nCounter has a method for quantifying individual cell types by correlating the expression of marker genes with the abundance of a single cell population to define gene expression signatures. To date, 14 different immune cell types have been identified by their gene signatures spanning oncology, immunology, and immuno-oncology. Additionally, gene expression signatures have been defined in the field of neuroscience.

Spatial Integration

NanoString provides solutions for every step of the way in your research, from bulk gene expression analysis to spatial profiling.

Continuous Discovery Cycle:
Bulk Gene Expression and Spatial Profiling

The GeoMx DSP workflow seamlessly integrates with current histology or genomics workflows to help you obtain robust and reproducible spatial multiomics data quickly. Whole tissue sections, FFPE or fresh frozen, can be imaged and stained for RNA or protein. You can then precisely select which tissue compartments or cell types to profile based on the biology and tissue pathology, and subsequently count expression levels using the nCounter Analysis System.

Related Resources

See All Resources
Brochure/eBook nCounter Analysis Systems – Brochure
App Note/Tech Note nCounter® Pro – Data Sheet
Event nCounter® 102: Exploring the Potential of nCounter Data Analysis
Case Study Robust nCounter® Performance – Case Study
Blog Post Gx Profiling Made Easy: The Birth of nCounter®
Event nCounter 101: Demystifying Direct Detection Analysis to Accelerate Your Biomarker Development

Publications

See All Publications

SARS-CoV-2 infection induces a long-lived pro-inflammatory transcriptional profile

Background: The immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in COVID-19 patients has been extensively investigated. However, much less is known about the long-term effects of infection in patients and how it could affect the immune system and its capacity to respond to future perturbations.

Eicosapentaenoic acid influences the pathogenesis of Candidaalbicans in Caenorhabditiselegans via inhibition of hyphal formation and stimulation of the host immune response

The intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), is associated with health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This fatty acid also exhibits antifungal properties in vitro.

Safety and Tolerability of Bacteriophage Therapy in Severe Staphylococcus aureus Infection