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Research Labs Upgraded Aging Cell Sorter Equipment

Academic institutions have shifted toward spectral systems as older technology faces hardware and software obsolescence.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Biotech

Isometric editorial illustration of a modular spectral cell sorter instrument, depicting the precision hardware used in laboratory research.
Research institutions across the United States are retiring legacy filter-based cell sorters, shifting to modern spectral technology to address hardware and software obsolescence. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Core research facilities across the country are retiring aging filter-based cell sorters in favor of new spectral technology. This transition is largely driven by the mounting costs of maintenance and the inability to support obsolete operating systems.

Why it matters

The transition to spectral systems ensures that laboratories can maintain reliable research operations without the frequent failures associated with aging hardware. It also addresses the critical issue of manufacturer service termination for legacy instruments.

Spectral cell sorters now cost between $570,000 and $760,000, while conventional units range from $410,000 to $536,000. Annual maintenance for these complex machines averages $25,000 per unit.

The players

University of Chicago

This private research university is known for its high-level scientific contributions and clinical research.

Rockefeller University

This New York City-based institution is a leading biomedical research university dedicated to scientific discovery.

Cytek

This company is a prominent manufacturer of advanced flow cytometry technology and spectral instruments.

Waters

This analytical laboratory instrument and software company provides specialized technology for scientific researchers.

The details

Facilities are increasingly abandoning older filter-based sorters because manufacturers no longer support their aging software and components. Universities, including the University of Chicago and Rockefeller University, have already initiated the phase-out of legacy models to maintain scientific accuracy.

Timeline

  1. June 2020: 146 flow cytometry core facilities were surveyed regarding equipment age.

  2. 2022: The University of Chicago retired a BD FACSAria II sorter.

  3. January and February 2026: Rockefeller University phased out its BD FACSAria sorters.

  4. Q2 2026: Cytek reported an installed base of 3,933 instruments.

  5. September 14, 2026: Waters launched the BD FACSDiscover A7.

Roadmap

The transition to spectral sorting mirrors broader trends toward high-resolution data capture in the biotech sector. Facilities are replacing legacy filter-based systems to remain competitive in an increasingly automated research environment.

Researchers and labs must account for significantly higher capital expenditure, with new units costing up to $760,000. These upgrades also demand new technical training to operate spectral systems effectively.

The takeaway

Labs should prioritize equipment life-cycle planning to avoid the sudden operational paralysis caused by unsupported hardware. Investing in newer spectral technology now can prevent the compounding costs of maintaining obsolete legacy machines.

Further reading

For more on evolving research infrastructure, visit our Biotech section.

More information

Review recent instrument procurement trends on the federal government spending database.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Research & Development World.

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