Komet 7
Acquisition and Analysis Software forthe Comet Assay - Research and GLPKomet 7
Now with Zyla 5.5 USB 3.0 support. Score comets
faster than ever, less scanning more scoring.

Komet software allows the capture
and analysis of images from theComet Assay. The Comet Assaypermits the quantification of DNA
damage and repair in single cell
preparations and is applicable toany eukaryotic cell.

Key Features
Flexible - Software control of wide range of cameras from sCMOS to video, Firewire (IEEE1394)
and USB
Large Field of View options with Andor sCMOS integration - faster scoring option“Virtual Camera” - scores live images from any camera you already own
LED light sources - replace mercury bulbs with safe, efficient, long-life illumination
Certified Windows 7 compatibility - Windows 8.1 coming soon

The assay can be used in bothin-vitro and in-vivo testing andhas been shown to be a powerfuland sensitive predictor of genetic
toxicity.
Komet is available as a standard
research product and a GLPproduct.

Fast and easy to use - pop-up controls accelerate scoring and minimize fatigue
Fully automatic or interactive computation of Head/Tail %DNA, Tail Length, Olive Tail moment, etc.
Background correction for every cell scoredUser-friendly, freely distributed Database Viewer (DBV) application
Databases include all comet images, parameters and audit trails

GLP

Proven performance - reliable data analysis with backward compatibility
Integrated creation of summary statistics - optimizes data workflow and reporting
Facilitates OECD TG 489 guideline requirements for data and statistical analysis
Fulfills FDA 21CFR part 11 requirements for electronic data

GLP

GLP

Developed under ISO9001 quality assured engineering processes“Experiment” mode guides the user through analysis - slide by slide
Scoring can be suspended and resumed in multiple sessions
24 parameters are computed from the comet image based on intensity and migration patterns
User can over-ride to interactive scoring on-demand - especially useful for “hedgehog” or heavily
damaged comets
Cell saturation check prevents unsuitable analysis and warns you to adjust the camera orillumination

Komet 7 now available
with Zyla 5.5 USB 3.0
Large field of view for rapid comet scoring; ideal forindustrial labs where high-throughput is essential.
For more information on the Zyla 5.5 USB 3.0
sCMOS camera visit andor.com/zyla-55

O
RAT RYLABOOD

Komet 7-GLP ensures FDA 21CFR part 11 compliance: electronic
signatures safeguard your data and audit trails certify scoring for quality
assurance. Komet Datasets fulfill the recommendations of OECD Testing
Guideline 489 for the In-Vivo Alkaline Comet Assay.
Key Features

Komet captures an image forevery comet scored and records
this image in the dataset alongwith key, internationally agreed,
analysis parameters. Datasets
are password protected and arereviewed, decoded and preparedfor statistical analysis in theDatabase Viewer (DBV).

• Scorer profile per session

Komet 7-GLP datasets include
audit trails for GLP quality
assurance.

E • GOIC

Komet 7-GLP lets a study
manager create datasets foreach study, manage scorers andselect or create a suitable scoring
protocol.

PRACT

Komet 7-GLP

Password protection to avoid unauthorized accessElectronic signature to validate dataset contents and assure data integrity
Audit trail information which includes:• Dates and times of scoring sessions• Slide IDs scored per session
To record and coordinate this information in the dataset, Komet 7-GLP supports
different levels of control over the software. To achieve this it uses the Windows 7 UserGroups.
Komet Administrator must be a member of that User Group and is able to control hardware
settings, Komet system-level settings and create Study Managers
Study Managers is a Windows User Group able to create new studies, define study dataset
properties and scoring protocols, and assign scorers
Scorers are able to score comets from their assigned studies

Important Notes on Komet 7-GLP and GLP Validation
For use in GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) contexts, software must bevalidated in each individual laboratory and it is done in combination withstandard operating procedures in the laboratory. According to FDA 21CFR
part 11 regulations, Komet 7-GLP can be considered an ‘off-the-shelf’software for Comet Assay analysis. Proceeding with local validation will besignificantly simplified if this designation is used.
Further, because all changes in the computer system (including theWindows operating system) may impact performance and require repeat
validation, we recommend that the Komet 7-GLP workstation is operated
on a computer in which automatic updates of Windows are disabled. We
also recommend that workstations are not connected to the internet due
to the risk of infection by malware.

Komet software is reliable
and easy to use and in myexperience Andor has been
the only company to adapt
the software to user needs
rather than force users to adapt
to the software. We strongly
recommend Komet to researchand safety testing labs alike.

Marie Vasquez, Operations Director
Helix3 Inc., USAYou can read Marie’s paper entitled“Recommendations for Safety Testing with theIn-Vivo Comet Assay” here:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/
S1383571812001878

Database Viewer (DBV)DBV provides a portable, convenient and flexible tool for the GLP and research laboratory, which
can be managed by the team without support from the IT department.
As part of the Komet software
suite, DBV provides a uniquesolution for data management andanalysis.

Key Features

To simplify QA, review andreporting of data, DBV has been
packaged for free distribution
meaning the Komet user cansupply DBV to clients, colleagues
or the QA team with a dataset andpassword to enable study of thedata for the desired purpose.

Organization of data by treatment or exposure groups for significance testing

Decoding for blind-scored studies, essential for GLP purposes
Data Review image by image or by creating image galleries (see Fig. 3 opposite)
Graphical Data Review including bar graphs, 3D histograms and dose response curves

Locked database provides security and validation of data
Facilitates OECD TG 489 guideline requirements for data and statistical analysis
DBV can be distributed free of charge with the data for review at other sites
Integration and comparison of data from multiple databases

In addition to data storage andaudit trails, DBV provides essential
data review and preparation
functions prior to statisticalsignificance testing including log
transformation of data.

We especially like the freely
available Database Viewer(DBV) which ensures our data
quality and consistency byallowing us to easily view allcomets scored. The DBV alsoenables decoding of blindscored studies and summarizes
results for statistical analysis injust a few mouse clicks.

Figure 1 - 3D Histogram created in DBV from a Helix3 dataset

Marie Vasquez, Operations Director
Helix3 Inc., USA

Figure 2 - Data Summary Table created in DBV from a Helix3 dataset

Key Applications for Komet
Komet is the most highly referenced Comet Assay analysis solution in research publications: invest
in Komet for your DNA integrity research.
The Comet Assay is a powerfultool for applications as diverse as
cancer research, safety testing ofpharmaceuticals and chemicals,
environmental and occupational
studies, dietary and even fertility
research.
The assay is widely used in manydifferent disciplines because it canbe adapted to virtually any celltype from almost any organismand study. Designs can be createdto characterize DNA damage andrepair as well as DNA integrity andcomparisons between different
populations.

Key Applications
Cancer research
Safety testing of pharmaceuticals and chemicals (Toxicity Studies)
Environmental and occupational studies
Dietary research
Fertility research
Study of DNA damage, repair and integrity
Comet-FISH - determine sequence or gene specific damage and repair

I have been using Komet
software from Andor Technologyfor the past 20 years and manyof my colleagues also use it for
their acquisition and analysis ofthe Comet Assay. The technicalsupport from Andor has beenoutstanding and I cannot
recommend Komet software
enough.
Figure 3 - A Comet Image Gallery produced produced by DBV from Helix3 dataset
Professor Diana Anderson,
University of Bradford, UK
You can read Diana’s paper entitled “Sensitivityand specificity of the empirical lymphocyte
genome sensitivity (LGS) assay: implications for
improving cancer diagnostics” here:
http://www.fasebj.org/content/28/10/4563.short

Figure 4 - Images from the Comet Assay acquired using Komet software

Komet Scoring (Live or from File)
Komet software is so versatile it can score comets either during a live acquisition using the manycameras it supports or from files that have been saved and need scoring and analysis.
The Comet Assay is a test toevaluate the integrity of DNA incells. Any eukaryotic cell canbe tested, making the assay
widely applicable. Under anelectrophoretic field, damaged
cellular DNA is separated fromintact DNA, yielding a classic“comet tail” shape under themicroscope.

Live Scoring Features

The extent of DNA damage canbe easily measured using Komet
software. With just a single mouseclick, statistics are instantly
available therefore allowing theuser to quickly define the level of
DNA damage in the sample.

Scoring From File

Scoring is fast - 300-400 comets per hourPop-up controls reduce user fatigue
One right mouse click initiates capture and analysis
Automatic background correction for every cellAs each cell is scored measurement calipers provide visual feedback on accuracy of analysis
For each comet analysis, results and intensity profile data are instantly shown in the analysis panel
Pseudo-color display enhances tail visibility (see below)

Standard and proprietary 8, 12, 16 bit gray and 24 bit color files are handled seamlessly“Apply Calibration on Open” calibrates images for real measurements“Flip or Rotate on Open” function allows images (with comet tails to left) to be automaticallyoriented for analysis

Figure 5 - Analysis panel on left shows User and Experiment context; intensity profile data and analysis results. The image shows the field of view of Zyla 5.5 (2560 x 2160 pixels)
vs standard CCD (1280 x 1024) with a 20X objective. The standard camera shows three comets which could be scored in its field of view, while the Zyla 5.5 includes up to 11;
this feature provides faster scoring with less time scanning the slide.

Komet Packages
As manufacturer of both camera and software, Andor is able to offer a new range of Komet
workstation packages, which include Komet 7, Data Base Viewer (DBV), a state of the art sCMOS
camera and high performance Windows workstation, providing best value and guaranteedperformance. Komet 7 can provide an upgrade path to existing users, either through the newworkstation package or via re-use of existing third party cameras.
Package

Order CodeDescription

KOMET R with Zyla 5.5, USB 3.0 and PC

KOMET-R-WSTN-Zyla

Zyla 5.5 USB 3.0, 5.5 MP, 6.5 μm pixel sCMOS camera withUSB 3 connectivity, power supply and cables included. KOMET
R and DBV pre-installed and burn-in tested. High performance
Dell T1700 8GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Firepro performancegraphics, 24” LED Monitor. Full functionality guaranteed out ofthe box.

KOMET GLP with Zyla 5.5, USB 3.0 and PC

KOMET-GLP-WSTN-Zyla

Zyla 5.5 USB 3.0, 5.5 MP, 6.5 μm pixel sCMOS camera,
with USB 3 connectivity, power supply and cables included.
KOMET 7GLP and DBV pre-installed and burn-in tested. Highperformance Dell T1700 8GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, Firepro
performance graphics, 24” LED Monitor. Full functionality
guaranteed out of the box.

KOMET-R for capture and analysis

KOMET

Komet R Software for imaging and analysis of cometspecimens. Supplied with Andor Database Viewer for data
audit, archive and summary for reporting and statisticalsignificance testing. Supports software licence. Andor camera
support included - third party see driver CD for purchase.

KOMET-GLP for capture and analysis

KOMET-GLP

Komet 7-GLP Software for imaging and analysis of cometspecimens. Supplied with Andor Database Viewer for data
audit, archive and summary for reporting and statisticalsignificance testing. Supports software licence. Andor camera
support included - third party see driver CD for purchase.

KOMET PC

KOMET-WSTN

Dell PC, T1700 with 8 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD installed with
Windows 7 (64 bit) for use with Komet software. Included 24”
Ultrsharp LED monitor (1920 x 1200).

KOMET-R Upgrade

KOMET-R-UPG

Upgrade to Komet 7 with remote installation support.

KOMET-GLP Upgrade

KOMET-GLP-UPG

Upgrade to Komet 7-GLP with new OECD compliance withremote installation support.

Accessory

Order CodeDescription

CoolLED pE-300

LL-PE300-WHT-NK1-I

Suitable for Nikon Ti, TE2000, Eclipse 50-90i, E400-600, FN1,
AZ100

CoolLED pE-300

LL-PE300-WHT-OL1-I

Suitable for all Olympus microscopes apart from BH2, LV200,
LEXT, IMT

CoolLED pE-300

LL-PE300-WHT-LE1-I

Suitable for all Leica compound microscopes(not stereo microscopes)

CoolLED pE-300

LL-PE300-WHT-ZS1-I

Suitable for all Zeiss microscopes

Video-USB connector

KOMET-VID-USB

Startech Video to USB Video Capture Device Cable with BNCadapter.
The Imaging Source DFG/USB 2.0 pro converter, including USB
2.0 cable and BNC adapter

KOMET-VID-USB2
Virtual camera

IQ-VIRT-CAM

Driver required for Virtual Camera and Third Party Camera (notrequired for Andor camera)Customer Support
Andor products are regularly used in critical applications and we can provide
a variety of customer support services to maximise the return on yourinvestment and ensure that your product continues to operate at its optimumperformance.
Andor has customer support teams located across North America, Asiaand Europe, allowing us to provide local technical assistance and advice.
Requests for support can be made at any time by contacting our technicalsupport team at andor.com/support.
Andor can offer installation and training in the following formats:• On-site product specialists can assist you with the installation andcommissioning*• Training services can be provided on-site or remotely via the Internet**Prices available upon request

Customer Assurance Plans and Maintenance Contracts are available forAndor products, giving customers the flexibility to select as appropriate totheir needs.
Such plans give access to additional levels of service and include both single
year and multi-year options, allowing users to fix their support costs over theduration of a project or product life cycle.

Head Office
7 Millennium Way
Springvale Business Park
Belfast BT12 7AL
Northern Ireland
Tel: +44 (0)28 9023 7126
Fax: +44 (0)28 9031 0792
North America
300 Baker Avenue
Suite 150
Concord, MA 01742
USA
Tel: +1 860-290-9211
Fax: +1 860-290-9566
Japan
5F IS Building
3-32-42 Higashi-Shinagawa
Tokyo 140-0002Japan
Tel: +81-(0)3-6732-8968
Fax: +81-(0)3-6732-8939
China
Unit 1, Building A,
No. 66 Zhufang Road,
Haidian District,
Beijing 100085
P. R. China
Tel: +86 (0)10-8271-9066
Fax: +86 (0)10-8271-9055

Find us on

Komet requires the following minimum computer configuration:• Windows 7 Professional• Minimum Ram 2 GB, recommended 8GB• 1 TB Hard Disk (Solid State Disk preferred)• Graphics adapter with a minimum resolution of 1280 x 1024 and 16K colours.
• A suitable display. We recommend at least a High Definition 24" monitor with resolution set at 1920 x 1080.
• Mouse or other suitable pointing device.
A number of sensitive Charge Coupled Device (CCD) and Zyla sCMOS cameras are supported, which will
require installation of specific drivers and in some cases installation of hardware. To run the full version ofKomet, you will need to plug a USB software protection key (dongle) into your PC.

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