Waters Sets Benchmark for Standardized Spectral Flow Cytometry with Commercial Launch of BD FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer

Waters launches the BD FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer globally, aiming to standardize high‑parameter spectral flow cytometry for more labs.

Rhea-AI Summary

Waters (WAT) announced the global commercial launch of the BD FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer on September 14, 2026.

The instrument uses BD SpectralFX™ Technology to support routine 50+ parameter spectral flow cytometry experiments and combines high spectral resolution and sensitivity with ease-of-use features. Together with FACSTruQ™ Technology, it delivers next-generation automated setup and quality control, achieving a coefficient of variation of less than 10% across a palette of more than 50 dyes. An integrated autoloader and BD FACSChorus™ Software provide guided workflows, and the system is now available to order worldwide through local representatives, with BD remaining the legal manufacturer during ongoing regulatory transfers.

Market Context

Before the headline, WAT had risen 1.67% and three listed peers were also higher, placing the A7 com...

Analysis

Before the headline, WAT had risen 1.67% and three listed peers were also higher, placing the A7 commercial launch in a broadly positive pre-publication trading context rather than an isolated target move.

Key Figures

Fluorescence detectors: 78 detectors Cell characteristics: More than 50 characteristics Coefficient of variation: Less than 10% +1 more

Fluorescence detectors

78 detectors

BD FACSDiscover A8 reference platform

Cell characteristics

More than 50 characteristics

Single-cell analysis capability

Coefficient of variation

Less than 10%

Across more than 50 dyes

Commercial availability

Globally available

BD FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer

Key Terms

spectral flow cytometry, coefficient of variation, fluorescence detectors

3 terms

spectral flow cytometry technical

"the world's very first 50-color flow cytometry panel"

Spectral flow cytometry is a laboratory technique that analyzes individual cells or particles by capturing the full rainbow of light they emit when tagged with fluorescent markers, rather than measuring a few colors separately. For investors, it matters because it yields more accurate, detailed cell profiles—like upgrading from a limited-color photo to a high-resolution image—helping companies develop better diagnostics, targeted therapies, and faster drug-development decisions.

coefficient of variation technical

"less than 10% coefficient of variation across a palette"

The coefficient of variation is a statistical measure that divides the standard deviation of a series of numbers by their mean, often shown as a percentage, to express variability relative to the average. It matters to investors because it lets you compare how much risk or fluctuation exists per unit of return across different assets or time periods—like comparing fuel efficiency (miles per gallon) rather than raw miles or gallons alone.

fluorescence detectors technical

"78 fluorescence detectors to maximize the palette of colors"

Fluorescence detectors are laboratory instruments that shine light on a sample and measure the faint colored glow (fluorescence) produced when certain molecules absorb and re-emit light. They turn tiny chemical or biological signals into readable numbers, like a night-vision camera making faint lights visible. Investors care because these detectors are core tools for drug discovery, diagnostics, and quality control, so demand and performance affect revenues and product development timelines for firms that make or use them.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google

Add on Google Not now

• Enables routine 50+ parameter experiments with BD SpectralFX™ Technology, accelerating breakthrough discoveries in the fight against cancer and other diseases.
• Minimizes instrument and user differences with first-of-its-kind FACSTruQ™ Technology, achieving industry-leading standardization for greater confidence in results.
• Integrated autoloader and BD FACSChorus™ Software speeds time to insight for new and experienced users.

MILFORD, Mass., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT) today announced the global commercial launch of the BD FACSDiscover™ A7 Cell Analyzer, which uniquely combines exceptional spectral resolution and sensitivity with industry-leading standardization and ease-of-use features, making the power of advanced flow cytometry more accessible to researchers in academia and pharmaceutical settings, as well as in contract research organization (CRO) labs.

The new cell analyzer expands Waters' category-defining FACSDiscover platform of flow cytometers, incorporating the same cutting-edge BD SpectralFX Technology present in the flagship BD FACSDiscover A8 Cell Analyzer, which supports up to five lasers and 78 fluorescence detectors to maximize the palette of colors. This technology enables scientists to analyze more than 50 characteristics of a single cell with consistent, high-quality data.

Together with FACSTruQ Technology, a notable product innovation that delivers next-generation instrument calibration with automated setup and quality control, the cell analyzer provides data consistency across instruments, users, and sites, achieving highly reproducible results with a less than 10% coefficient of variation across a palette of more than 50 dyes.¹ Paired with the BD FACSChorus Software's guided workflows and the integrated autoloader, the FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer sets a new standard for experimental standardization in flow cytometry.

"The FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer lowers the barrier to advanced spectral flow cytometry and will open up new possibilities for immunology research, enabling our core facility to help scientists uncover deeper biological insights with greater standardization and confidence," said Cheryl Kim, Senior Director, Flow Cytometry Core, La Jolla Institute for Immunology. "We look forward to the FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer being an integral instrument for our core, allowing our researchers to get the most out of spectral data to advance our important work of improving human health through the development of treatments and cures for immune system disorders."

Steve Conly, Senior Vice President, Waters Biosciences, Waters Corporation, added, "The FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer couples advanced spectral performance and leading standardization with a compelling price-to-performance balance, bringing spectral flow cytometry within reach of more researchers than ever before, for applications from biomarker discovery to drug development. Just two years after the world's very first 50-color flow cytometry panel was developed on the BD FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter,² the FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer extends these transformative capabilities, helping labs meet their increasingly critical needs for reproducibility within our connected ecosystem of instruments, reagents, and informatics."

The FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer is now commercially available globally and available to order through local representatives. For more information, please visit waters.com and bdbiosciences.com/A7.

BD is a trademark of Becton, Dickinson and Company. Waters is a trademark of Waters Corporation or its affiliates.  All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

About Waters Corporation:

Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT) is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, our innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across chemistry, physics, and biology. We collaborate with customers around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, ensure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combating antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, our passionate team of ~15,000 colleagues turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide. For more information, please visit www.waters.com/about.

Disclaimer:

The BD Biosciences and BD Diagnostic Solutions businesses have been acquired by Waters Corporation ("Waters"). Becton, Dickinson and Company or one of its affiliates or subsidiaries ("BD") remains the legal manufacturer of Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions products until all required regulatory transfers are completed. During this interim period, BD maintains full responsibility for all regulatory obligations of the legal manufacturer. Product information provided here is supplied under BD's regulatory authority. To learn more about the relationship between Waters and BD during this transition period, please see our detailed summary: www.waters.com/bdtransaction.

References:

1) Internal Waters data comparing the BD FACSDiscover™ A7 Cell Analyzer with the BD FACSLyric™ Flow Cytometry System and publicly available data for comparable instruments.

2) Konecny AJ, Mage PL, Tyznik AJ, Prlic M and Mair F. OMIP-102: 50-color phenotyping of the human immune system with in-depth assessment of T cells and dendritic cells. Cytometry Part A 2024; 105:430-436. DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24841

Contact:

Molly Gluck
Head of External Communications
Waters Corporation
+1.508.498.9732
molly_gluck@waters.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/waters-sets-benchmark-for-standardized-spectral-flow-cytometry-with-commercial-launch-of-bd-facsdiscover-a7-cell-analyzer-302877577.html

SOURCE Waters Corporation

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What core technologies are integrated into the BD FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer?

The BD FACSDiscover™ A7 Cell Analyzer incorporates BD SpectralFX™ Technology for advanced spectral flow cytometry, FACSTruQ™ Technology for automated instrument setup and quality control, and BD FACSChorus™ Software with guided workflows. It also includes an integrated autoloader to streamline sample handling.

How does the FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer contribute to experimental standardization and data consistency?

The system uses FACSTruQ™ Technology to automate calibration, setup, and quality control, providing data consistency across instruments, users, and sites. Waters reports that the platform achieves highly reproducible results with a coefficient of variation of less than 10% across a palette of more than 50 dyes.

How does the A7 Cell Analyzer fit within Waters’ broader FACSDiscover platform?

The FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer expands Waters’ FACSDiscover platform of flow cytometers and incorporates the same BD SpectralFX™ Technology used in the flagship BD FACSDiscover™ A8 Cell Analyzer. The A8 supports up to five lasers and 78 fluorescence detectors to maximize the color palette, and the A7 extends these spectral capabilities within the platform.

Who are the intended users and application areas for the FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer?

The analyzer is designed for researchers in academia, pharmaceutical laboratories, and contract research organization (CRO) labs. The company highlights applications ranging from biomarker discovery to drug development and immunology research, with an emphasis on reproducibility and standardized workflows.

What is the current regulatory and manufacturing relationship between Waters and BD for this product line?

The BD Biosciences and BD Diagnostic Solutions businesses have been acquired by Waters Corporation. However, Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) remains the legal manufacturer of Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions products until all required regulatory transfers are completed, and BD maintains full responsibility for all regulatory obligations of the legal manufacturer during this interim period.

How can potential customers obtain more information or place orders for the FACSDiscover A7 Cell Analyzer?

The BD FACSDiscover™ A7 Cell Analyzer is commercially available globally and can be ordered through local representatives. Additional information is available at waters.com and bdbiosciences.com/A7.