This process determines the concentration of cells within a liquid sample using a specialized microscope slide containing a precisely etched grid. The slide, known as a hemocytometer or counting chamber, defines a known volume over specific squares of the grid. By manually counting the cells within these defined areas and applying a formula, one can calculate the number of cells per unit volume. For instance, if an average of 50 cells is counted in a volume equivalent to 0.1 mm, the cell concentration would be 500 cells/mm.
Accurate determination of cell concentration is essential in numerous scientific and medical applications. It facilitates quality control in cell culture, ensures proper dosing in cell-based therapies, and provides critical information for hematological analysis. The technique’s long history has established it as a fundamental laboratory skill, offering a cost-effective and readily accessible method for quantifying cell populations, although it requires meticulous technique and visual acuity.
