Hemocytometer: Types, Design, Parts, and Procedure for Cell Counting

Shares2Facebook0 Tweet0 Pin0 LinkedIn0 Email2

A Hemocytometer , also known as a Neubauer chamber, is a microscope slide that contains a counting chamber with a grid etched into the glass. It is commonly used to count cells or other microscopic particles in a sample of fluid such as blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid.

Purpose of Hemocytometer:

Thus, by counting the cells in the blood or body fluids, it can be known whether an individual is normal or not. In general, cell counting is mainly carried out:

To provide a standardized and accurate method for counting cells or particles in a fluid sample.
To determine the concentration of cells or particles in a biological fluid such as blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid.
To enable researchers to quantify the number of cells or particles in a sample, which is useful in disease diagnosis and monitoring, drug development, and other areas of biological research.
To allow for accurate and reproducible cell counting, which is essential in many areas of biological and medical research.
To provide a cost-effective and easy-to-use alternative to more complex cell counting methods.
To help identify changes in cell count or particle concentration over time, which can be useful in monitoring disease progression or treatment efficacy.
To enable the analysis of a wide range of sample types, including whole blood, leukocytes, sperm, and other biological fluids.
To facilitate research into cell proliferation, viability, and other cellular processes.
To allow for the assessment of cell or particle size and morphology, which can provide additional information about the sample being analyzed.
To aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions such as anemia, leukemia, and infections.

Principle of Cells Counting:

The principle of cell counting using a Neubauer counting chamberHemocytometer involves diluting the sample of cells to achieve a suitable concentration for counting, loading a known volume of the diluted sample into the counting chamber, and counting the cells under a microscope. The counting chamber has a grid pattern etched on its surface, which allows for accurate quantification of the number of cells in a given area.

Hemocytometer Types:

There are different types of Neubauer counting chambers that vary in their design and application. Here are some common types:

Old Neubauer counting chamber: This type of chamber has improved grid lines and markings that make it easier to count cells or particles accurately.
Malassez counting chamber: This type of chamber is similar to the Neubauer chamber but has a deeper chamber and thicker grid lines, making it suitable for counting larger cells or particles.
Nageotte counting chamber: This type of chamber has two separate chambers that allow for the simultaneous counting of two different samples, making it useful for comparative analysis.
Bürker counting chamber: This type of chamber has a smaller grid pattern and is often used for counting smaller cells or particles such as red blood cells.
Fuchs-Rosenthal counting chamber: This type of chamber has a circular chamber and a grid pattern that allows for the counting of cells or particles in a larger area.
Hemacytometer: A general term for a counting chamber, often used interchangeably with the Neubauer chamber.

Type of Neubauer Counting Chamber	Grid	Size	Area of 1 square	Volume of 1 square	Multiplication Factors
OLD Neubauer counting chamber	3×3 mm	0.1 mm deep	1/9 mm² (0.1111 mm²)	0.0001 mm³ (0.1 nl)	10 (for diluted samples)
Improved Neubauer counting chamber	3×3 mm	0.1 mm deep	1/9 mm² (0.1111 mm²)	0.0001 mm³ (0.1 nl)	10 (for diluted samples)
Malassez counting chamber	1×1 mm	0.2 mm deep	1/100 mm² (0.01 mm²)	0.0002 mm³ (0.2 nl)	1 (for undiluted samples)
Nageotte counting chamber	Two separate chambers, each with 3×3 mm grid	0.2 mm deep	1/9 mm² (0.1111 mm²)	0.0002 mm³ (0.2 nl)	10 (for diluted samples)
Bürker counting chamber	3×3 mm	0.1 mm deep	1/9 mm² (0.1111 mm²)	0.0001 mm³ (0.1 nl)	10 (for diluted samples)
Fuchs-Rosenthal counting chamber	Circular chamber with 20 mm diameter	0.1 mm deep	1.9635 mm²	0.0002 mm³ (0.2 nl)	10 (for diluted samples)

The choice of counting chamber depends on the specific application and the size and type of cells or particles being counted. Each type of counting chamber has its own advantages and limitations, and selecting the appropriate chamber is essential for obtaining accurate and reliable results.

Old neubauer counting chamber:

Here is a list of properties of the old Neubauer counting chamber:

Grid size: 3 x 3 mm
Total area: 9 mm²
Depth of chamber: 0.1 mm
Volume of each small square: 0.0001 mm³ (0.1 nl)
Number of squares on the grid: 25
Area of each small square: 1/9 mm² (0.1111 mm²)
Has two counting areas separated by a central barrier
The central barrier is 0.1 mm high, preventing mixing of the sample and reducing evaporation
Used with a cover glass to create a fixed volume sample chamber
The sample is introduced into the chamber through a small channel along the edge of the chamber
The chamber has raised edges to prevent damage to the cover glass during cleaning and storage
Designed for manual counting of cells or particles under a microscope
Can be used for both bright-field and phase-contrast microscopy
Requires calibration before use to ensure accurate cell or particle counting.

Malassez counting chamber:

Here is a list of properties of the Malassez counting chamber:

Grid size: 1 x 1 mm
Total area: 1 mm²
Depth of chamber: 0.2 mm
Volume of each small square: 0.0002 mm³ (0.2 nl)
Number of squares on the grid: 9
Area of each small square: 1/100 mm² (0.01 mm²)
Has a single counting area without a central barrier
Used with a cover glass to create a fixed volume sample chamber
The sample is introduced into the chamber through a small channel along the edge of the chamber
The chamber has raised edges to prevent damage to the cover glass during cleaning and storage
Designed for manual counting of cells or particles under a microscope
Can be used for both bright-field and phase-contrast microscopy
Requires calibration before use to ensure accurate cell or particle counting.

Nageotte counting chamber:

Here is a list of properties of the Nageotte counting chamber:

Grid size: 1 x 1 mm
Total area: 1 mm²
Depth of chamber: 0.1 mm
Volume of each small square: 0.0001 mm³ (0.1 nl)
Number of squares on the grid: 9
Area of each small square: 1/100 mm² (0.01 mm²)
Has a single counting area without a central barrier
Used with a cover glass to create a fixed volume sample chamber
The sample is introduced into the chamber through a small channel along the edge of the chamber
The chamber has raised edges to prevent damage to the cover glass during cleaning and storage
Designed for manual counting of cells or particles under a microscope
Can be used for both bright-field and phase-contrast microscopy
Requires calibration before use to ensure accurate cell or particle counting.

Bürker counting chamber:

Here is a list of properties of the Bürker counting chamber:

Grid size: 3 x 3 mm
Total area: 9 mm²
Depth of chamber: 0.1 mm
Volume of each small square: 0.0001 mm³ (0.1 nl)
Number of squares on the grid: 80
Area of each small square: 1/80 mm² (0.0125 mm²)
Has two counting areas separated by a central barrier
The central barrier is 0.1 mm high, preventing mixing of the sample and reducing evaporation
Used with a cover glass to create a fixed volume sample chamber
The sample is introduced into the chamber through a small channel along the edge of the chamber
The chamber has raised edges to prevent damage to the cover glass during cleaning and storage
Designed for manual counting of cells or particles under a microscope
Can be used for both bright-field and phase-contrast microscopy
Requires calibration before use to ensure accurate cell or particle counting.

Fuchs-Rosenthal counting chamber:

Here is a list of properties of the Fuchs-Rosenthal counting chamber:

Grid size: 1 x 1 mm
Total area: 1 mm²
Depth of chamber: 0.1 mm
Volume of each small square: 0.0001 mm³ (0.1 nl)
Number of squares on the grid: 16
Area of each small square: 1/16 mm² (0.0625 mm²)
Has two counting areas separated by a central barrier
The central barrier is 0.1 mm high, preventing mixing of the sample and reducing evaporation
Used with a cover glass to create a fixed volume sample chamber
The sample is introduced into the chamber through a small channel along the edge of the chamber
The chamber has raised edges to prevent damage to the cover glass during cleaning and storage
Designed for manual counting of cells or particles under a microscope
Can be used for both bright-field and phase-contrast microscopy
Requires calibration before use to ensure accurate cell or particle counting.

Hemacytometer:

Here is a list of properties of the Hemacytometer:

Grid size: 3 x 3 mm
Total area: 9 mm²
Depth of chamber: 0.1 mm
Volume of each small square: 0.0001 mm³ (0.1 nl)
Number of squares on the grid: 80
Area of each small square: 1/80 mm² (0.0125 mm²)
Has two counting areas separated by a central barrier
The central barrier is 0.1 mm high, preventing mixing of the sample and reducing evaporation
Used with a cover glass to create a fixed volume sample chamber
The sample is introduced into the chamber through a small channel along the edge of the chamber
The chamber has raised edges to prevent damage to the cover glass during cleaning and storage
Designed for manual counting of cells or particles under a microscope
Can be used for both bright-field and phase-contrast microscopy
Requires calibration before use to ensure accurate cell or particle counting.

Note: The Hemacytometer is another name for the Bürker counting chamber, so the properties are the same as listed above.

Neubauer Chamber Design and Parts:

The design of a Neubauer counting chamber includes several parts:

The base plate: A rectangular glass or plastic slide that serves as the main platform for the counting chamber. It has a central rectangular recessed area that contains the grid of squares for counting cells or particles.
The counting grid: A series of parallel lines etched or printed onto the base plate, which divides the central area of the chamber into a grid of squares.
The cover slip: A thin, square piece of glass or plastic that covers the counting grid and creates a chamber of fixed depth.
The loading port: A small channel or indentation on the side of the base plate that allows the sample to be loaded into the chamber.
The side borders: Raised edges around the counting grid that help to hold the cover slip in place and protect it during storage and cleaning.
The central barrier: A thin, raised strip that runs down the middle of the counting grid, separating it into two halves. This barrier helps to prevent the mixing of the sample and reduces evaporation, improving the accuracy of the cell or particle count.
The chamber depth: A fixed distance between the cover slip and the counting grid, typically 0.1 mm, which ensures that a specific volume of sample is loaded into the chamber and counted.

Overall, the design of the Neubauer counting chamber is simple but effective, providing a reliable and accurate method for counting cells or particles under a microscope.

Rules for counting cells with a Neubauer Chamber or hemocytometer:

Here are some general rules for counting cells with a Neubauer chamber or hemocytometer:

Calibrate the chamber before use to ensure accurate cell counts.
Prepare the sample by diluting it appropriately to achieve a suitable cell concentration.
Mix the sample well to ensure even distribution of cells.
Load the chamber with a suitable volume of sample, taking care not to introduce air bubbles.
Allow the sample to settle for a few minutes to ensure that the cells are evenly distributed across the counting grid.
Place the chamber under a microscope and adjust the focus and lighting to achieve a clear view of the counting grid.
Count the cells in the designated area of the counting grid using a suitable magnification, typically 10x or 20x.
Count only the cells that touch the top and left-hand sides of the square.
Do not count cells that touch the bottom or right-hand side of the square.
Move systematically across the grid, counting each square in turn.
Repeat the count at least two more times to ensure accuracy, and calculate the average count.
Record the cell count and calculate the final cell concentration, taking into account the dilution factor.
Clean the chamber thoroughly after use, and store it in a dry and safe place.

Following these rules will help to ensure accurate and reliable cell counting results using a Neubauer chamber or hemocytometer.

What squares should I count ?

Before you start counting, you need to decide which squares on the hemocytometer’s counting grid to count. It’s important to choose squares that give a good overall representation of the cells on the slide. For example, avoid counting only the cells in the top three squares of the grid, as this may not be representative if the liquid was not evenly distributed across the slide surface when dispensed with the pipette. Some common strategies reported by our internal scientists include:

Based on insights from our in-house team of field application scientists, we found these three methods to be the most widely used:

The Logical Count
The Absolute Count
The Quick Count

The Logical Count:

A common and representative approach is to count the cells in the four corner squares and the center square of the hemocytometer grid. This is called a “logical count”.

Here are some possible headlines with short briefs for the steps involved in performing a logical count of cells in a Neubauer chamber or hemocytometer:

Load the sample: Load the chamber with a suitable volume of well-mixed sample, taking care to avoid air bubbles.
Allow settling: Allow the sample to settle for a few minutes to ensure that the cells are evenly distributed across the counting grid.
Set up microscope: Place the chamber under a microscope and adjust the focus and lighting to achieve a clear view of the counting grid.
Count cells: Count the cells in the designated area of the counting grid using a suitable magnification, typically 10x or 20x.
Count appropriate cells: Count only the cells that touch the top and left-hand sides of each square in the grid, and not cells that touch the bottom or right-hand side of the square.
Systematic counting: Move systematically across the grid, counting each square in turn.
Repeat counting: Repeat the count at least two more times to ensure accuracy and reliability of the results.
Calculate cell concentration: Calculate the average count across the multiple counts to determine the final cell concentration.

These headlines with short briefs provide a quick overview of the steps involved in performing a logical count and can serve as a helpful reference during the cell counting process.

The Absolute Count:

Alternatively, you can count the cells in all nine squares of the hemocytometer. In this method, known as “absolute count”, you count the cells in all the squares while following a zig-zag pattern. This counting method is advantageous when there is a high concentration of cells in the sample because it is a pattern that is easy to follow, so you are less likely to miss it and have to restart.

Here are some possible headlines with short briefs for the steps involved in performing an absolute count of cells in a Neubauer chamber or hemocytometer:

Sample preparation: Prepare the sample by diluting it to a suitable concentration that falls within the working range of the counting chamber.
Load the chamber: Load the chamber with a suitable volume of the diluted sample, taking care to avoid air bubbles.
Allow settling: Allow the sample to settle for a few minutes to ensure that the cells are evenly distributed across the counting grid.
Count cells: Count the cells in a specified area of the counting grid using a suitable magnification, typically 10x or 20x.
Determine volume: Determine the volume of the sample counted, taking into account the depth of the chamber and the area of the counting grid.
Calculate cell concentration: Calculate the number of cells per unit volume of the original sample by multiplying the cell count by the appropriate dilution factor and dividing by the volume of the sample counted.
Repeat counting: Repeat the count at least two more times to ensure accuracy and reliability of the results.
Average results: Calculate the average of the multiple counts to determine the final absolute cell count.

These headlines with short briefs provide a quick overview of the steps involved in performing an absolute count of cells, which is important for accurate determination of cell concentration in a sample.

The Quick Count:

Lastly, if you’re in a hurry, you may be tempted to do the “quick count.” With this method, you only count cells in two squares that are diagonally opposite each other. If you use this approach, your results won’t be as representative, but it can be a good way to check your cell culture if you’re in a hurry.

Here are some possible headlines with short briefs for the steps involved in performing a quick count of cells in a Neubauer chamber or hemocytometer:

Load the sample: Load the chamber with a suitable volume of well-mixed sample, taking care to avoid air bubbles.
Allow settling: Allow the sample to settle for a few minutes to ensure that the cells are evenly distributed across the counting grid.
Set up microscope: Place the chamber under a microscope and adjust the focus and lighting to achieve a clear view of the counting grid.
Count cells: Count the cells in a designated area of the counting grid using a suitable magnification, typically 10x or 20x.
Count all cells: Count all cells in the designated area, regardless of whether they touch the top, bottom, left-hand or right-hand sides of each square in the grid.
Quick calculation: Calculate the cell concentration by multiplying the cell count by a factor that corresponds to the area of the counting grid and the dilution factor of the sample.
Repeat counting: Repeat the count at least two more times to ensure accuracy and reliability of the results.
Average results: Calculate the average of the multiple counts to determine the final cell concentration.

These headlines with short briefs provide a quick overview of the steps involved in performing a quick count of cells, which is a simplified approach that may be suitable for certain applications. However, it is important to note that the quick count method may be less accurate and reliable than other methods that involve more systematic counting and analysis.

What cells are inside the counting square?

The rules about which cells are counted as within a square help ensure that the same cell is not counted twice. Some labs include cells that touch the top and left borders of the grid and exclude cells that touch the bottom and left borders of the grid (see diagram). Other labs use different rules, so check with your colleagues if you’re not sure.

Regardless of which strategy you choose, the most important thing to remember is to be consistent throughout your counting procedure, so your results are as accurate as possible and you can compare your data over time.

Features of Neubauer Chamber or Mehocytometer:

The following are some features of a Neubauer chamber or hemocytometer:

Counting grid: The counting grid is a square-shaped grid that is etched into the surface of the chamber. It consists of 9 large squares, each of which is subdivided into 16 smaller squares. The size of the squares and the grid pattern may vary depending on the type of chamber.
Depth: The depth of the chamber is usually around 0.1 mm, which allows for a thin layer of the sample to be loaded and distributed across the counting grid.
Dimensions: The dimensions of the chamber may vary depending on the type of chamber, but it is typically around 3-4 cm in length and 1-2 cm in width.
Material: The chamber is usually made of glass, which allows for a clear and transparent view of the sample under a microscope.
Volume: The volume of the sample that can be loaded onto the chamber may vary depending on the type of chamber, but it is typically around 10-20 microliters.
Calibration factor: Each chamber has a unique calibration factor that is used to calculate the cell concentration based on the number of cells counted and the volume of the sample loaded.
Coverslip: The chamber is covered with a coverslip to prevent the sample from drying out and to minimize evaporation during counting.
Multiple grids: Some types of chambers may have multiple grids, which allow for multiple samples to be analyzed simultaneously.

Overall, the Neubauer chamber or hemocytometer is a simple but effective tool for counting cells in a variety of biological and clinical applications. It provides a standardized and quantitative method for determining cell concentration and can be used to analyze a wide range of sample types, including blood, cell cultures, and other fluids.

The Neubauer chamber is a thick glass slide about the size of a glass slide. (30 x 70mm and
4mm thick)

In a simple counting chamber, the central area is where cell counts are performed. The chamber has three parts.
The central part, where the counting grid has been fixed on the glass.
Double chambers are more common than single chambers. In this case, the camera has two counting areas that can be loaded independently.

The Neubauer chamber counting grid is 3mm x 3mm in size. The grid has 9 square subdivisions 1 mm wide. (See Below Point-1)

In the case of the blood cell count, the squares placed in the corners are used for the white blood cell count. Since its concentration is lower than that of red blood cells, a larger area is required for cell counting.

The center square is used for platelets and red blood cells. This square is divided into 25 squares of 0.2 mm width (200 µm). See Below Point-2. Each of the 25 central squares is subdivided into 16 smaller squares. See Below Point-3.

Therefore, the central square is made up of 400 small squares.

Cell counting areas in the Neubauer chamber:

The Neubauer chamber has two main counting areas:

Large central square: The large central square is the most commonly used counting area and is located in the center of the grid. It consists of 25 small squares, each with an area of 1 mm². The central square is used for counting erythrocytes (red blood cells).and thrombocytes (platelets).
Four corner squares: The four corner squares are located around the central square and each consists of 16 small squares, each with an area of 0.0625 mm². The corner squares are used for counting leukocytes (white blood cells).

Both counting areas are used to determine the total cell count per unit volume of the sample. The number of cells counted in each area is multiplied by a specific factor, depending on the type of chamber and the volume of the sample, to obtain the total cell count. The large central square is typically used for samples with low cell concentrations, while the four corner squares are used for samples with high cell concentrations.

Cell counting areas in the Neubauer chamber

White blood cell (WBC)count area:

The four large squares placed in the corners are used for white blood cell counts. Since its concentration is lower than that of red blood cells, a larger area is required for cell counting.

Red blood cell (RBC) count area:

The large square in the center is used for red blood cell counts. As already stated, this area is subdivided into 25 medium squares, which are further divided into 16 squares each.

Of the 25 medium squares, only the four corner squares and the center square within the large center square are used for red blood cell counts.

Platelet count area:

The large square in the center is used to count platelets. Platelets are counted in the 25 squares within the large central square.

Procedure of Cells Counting on Chamber:

Here is a general procedure for counting cells on a Neubauer chamber:

Clean the Neubauer chamber: Before using the chamber, clean it thoroughly with 70% ethanol or another appropriate disinfectant. Wipe the surfaces gently with a lint-free cloth or tissue.
Prepare the sample: Collect a sample of the cells to be counted and mix it well to ensure that the cells are evenly distributed. Dilute the sample if necessary to achieve an appropriate concentration for counting.
Load the chamber: Using a pipette, carefully load the sample into the chamber’s loading area. Be sure to fill both sides of the chamber to avoid drying out the sample during the counting process.
Allow the cells to settle: Place the loaded chamber in a humidified chamber for 10-15 minutes to allow the cells to settle onto the counting areas.
Count the cells: Using a microscope with a 10x objective and 10x ocular lens, count the cells within the designated counting areas of the Neubauer chamber. Follow the appropriate counting rules and multiply the cell count by the appropriate dilution factor to obtain the total cell count per unit volume.
Repeat as necessary: Repeat the counting process with additional samples as necessary to obtain an accurate and representative cell count.
Clean and store the chamber: After counting, clean the chamber with 70% ethanol or another appropriate disinfectant and store it in a safe place. Be sure to handle the chamber carefully to avoid damaging the counting grid.

Required Materials:

Here is a list of materials required for counting cells on a Neubauer chamber:

Neubauer chamber or hemocytometer
Microscope with a 10x objective and 10x ocular lens
Pipette for loading the sample onto the chamber
70% ethanol or another appropriate disinfectant for cleaning the chamber
Lint-free cloth or tissue for cleaning the chamber
Sample of cells to be counted
Humidified chamber for allowing cells to settle
Timer or clock for tracking settling time
Gloves and lab coat for personal protection
Calculator for calculating the cell count
Distilled water for diluting the sample if necessary.

Specimen preparation:

Depending on the type of sample, a preparation of a dilution with a suitable concentration for cell counting should be prepared.

Typically, the concentration range for a Neubauer chamber cell count is between 250,000 cells/mL and 2.5 million cells/mL. It is recommended that the concentration of the dilution be around 106 cells/ml (1 million cells/ml) applying the necessary dilutions.

At concentrations below 250,000 cells per ml, (2.5 * 105 cells/ml) the number of cells counted will not be sufficient to obtain a fair estimate of the original concentration. 1 Above 2.5 million cells/mL (2.5 * 106), the likelihood of counting errors increases, as does the time and effort required to achieve a reliable cell count.

Above 2.5 million, it is preferable to dilute the sample to obtain a final concentration closer to the optimum of 1 million per mL. It is important to write down the dilution made to the original sample.

Preparation of the Neubauer chamber:

Clean Neubauer chamber and coverslip with 70% EtOH. Place the cover glass on the central area of the Neubauer chamber. Use a flat surface to place the camera on, such as a table or workbench

Introducing of the sample in the Neubauer chamber:

Take 10 µl of the dilution prepared in STEP 1 with the micropipette.

Place the cover glass on the central area of the Neubauer chamber. Use a flat surface to place the camera on, such as a table or workbench.
Put a disposable tip at the end of the micropipette.
Adjust the micropipette to aspirate 10 µl. You can adjust it by turning the top plunger knob to select the required pipetting volume.
Introduce the tip of the micropipette over the previously prepared dilution.
Push the pipette plunger slowly until you feel it has reached the end of its stroke.
Remove the tip of the pipette from the dilution and transfer it to the Neubauer chamber. When the pipette is loaded, it should always be kept in a vertical position.
Place the tip of the pipette near the edge of the cover glass, right in the center of the Neubauer chamber.
Release the plunger slowly, observing how the liquid enters the chamber uniformly, being absorbed by capillarity.
If bubbles appear, or the glass cover has moved, repeat the operation.

Microscope focusing and Cell Counting:

Place the Neubauer chamber on the microscope stage. If the microscope has a fixation clamp, fix the Neubauer camera.
Turn on the microscope light.
Focus the microscope until you can see a sharp image of the cells by looking through the eyepiece and adjusting the stage.
Find the first square of the counting grid where the cell count will start. In this example, 5 large squares will be counted from an improved Neubauer chamber.
Start counting the cells in the first square.

Different labs have different counting protocols, but there is an unwritten folk rule that states:

“Cells touching the upper and left boundaries should be counted, unlike cells touching the lower and right boundaries which should not be counted”

In case of a high concentration of cells, it will be very easy to get lost while counting the cells. In this case a zigzag counting technique is used.

Write the number of cells counted in the first square.
Repeat the process for the remaining squares, writing down the counting results for all of them. The higher the number of cells counted, the higher the accuracy of the measurement.

Calculations:

We apply the formula to calculate the concentration:

Concentration (cell/ml) = Number of cells/Volume (in ml)

The number of cells will be the sum of all counted cells in all counted squares.

Since the volume of 1 large square is:

0.1 cm x 0.1 cm = 0.01 cm2 of area counted.

Given that the depth of the chamber is 0.1 mm:

0.1mm=0.01cm

0.01cm2 x 0.01cm = 0.0001cm2 = 0.0001ml = 0.1µl

So for the Neubauer chamber, the formula used when counting in the large squares is:

Concentration = Number of cells x 10,000 / Number of squares

In the event that a dilution has been applied, the obtained concentration must be converted to the original concentration before dilution.

In this case, the concentration must be divided by the applied dilution. The formula will be:

Concentration = Number of cells x 10,000 / Number of squares x dilution

Example:

For a 1:10 dilution → Dilution = 0.1
For a 1:100 dilution → Dilution = 0.01

WBC Counting on Neubauer Chamber or Hemocytometer:

White Blood Cells (WBC) Count Procedure

RBC Counting on Neubauer Chamber or Hemocytometer:

Red Blood Cells (RBC) Count Procedure

Platelets Counting on Neubauer Chamber or Hemocytometer:

Platelets Count Procedures

Limitations and Sources of Error:

Here is a list of limitations and sources of error that can affect the accuracy of cell counting using a Neubauer chamber:

Variability in sample preparation: If the sample is not mixed thoroughly, it can result in an uneven distribution of cells, which can lead to an inaccurate count.
Cell clumping: Clumps of cells can result in a false-high count as multiple cells can be counted as a single unit.
Presence of debris: Debris or other particulate matter in the sample can interfere with the accuracy of the count.
Focusing errors: If the microscope is not focused correctly, the cells may appear out of focus, leading to an inaccurate count.
Overfilling or underfilling the chamber: Overfilling the chamber can lead to an inaccurate count due to the lack of space between the cells, while underfilling the chamber can result in an inaccurate count due to an insufficient number of cells.
Insufficient settling time: The settling time for some types of cells can vary and can be affected by factors such as temperature and the presence of certain chemicals, leading to an inaccurate count.
Variability in the operator’s technique: The operator’s technique can also affect the accuracy of the count. The counting should be performed by a trained and experienced operator using standardized procedures.
Variations in the Neubauer chamber: The manufacturing process can cause variations in the size and shape of the counting areas, which can lead to inaccuracies.
Variability in the microscope: Differences in the quality of the microscope or its settings can also lead to inaccuracies in the count.
Human error: Errors can occur due to mistakes made during the counting process, such as counting the same cell twice or misinterpreting debris as cells.

It is important to note that while a Neubauer chamber is a reliable and accurate tool for cell counting, it is subject to human error and technical limitations. As such, it is recommended to use multiple counting methods to validate results and reduce sources of error.

FAQs:

What is a Neubauer chamber?

A Neubauer chamber is a microscope slide with etched grids and a counting area, used for counting cells or other particles in a sample.

What are the parts of a Neubauer chamber?

The parts of a Neubauer chamber include the counting area, etched grids, cover slip, and sample well.

What are the different types of Neubauer chambers?

There are several types of Neubauer chambers, including the improved Neubauer, Malassez, Nageotte, Bürker, and Fuchs-Rosenthal chambers.

What is the purpose of a Neubauer chamber?

The purpose of a Neubauer chamber is to accurately count cells or other particles in a sample.

What cells can be counted using a Neubauer chamber?

A Neubauer chamber can be used to count any type of cells, including blood cells, sperm cells, and plant cells.

What is the procedure for using a Neubauer chamber?

The procedure for using a Neubauer chamber involves preparing the sample, introducing it into the chamber, counting cells in the grid squares, and calculating the total cell count.

What are the required materials for using a Neubauer chamber?

The required materials for using a Neubauer chamber include a microscope, cover slip, pipette, sample, and counting chamber.

What is the counting formula for a Neubauer chamber?

The counting formula for a Neubauer chamber is: (number of cells counted x dilution factor x 10,000) / area counted.

What are the sources of error when using a Neubauer chamber?

Sources of error when using a Neubauer chamber include improper sample preparation, inaccurate counting, and user error.

What is the difference between a hemocytometer and a Neubauer chamber?

A hemocytometer is a type of Neubauer chamber specifically designed for counting blood cells, while a Neubauer chamber can be used to count any type of cells.

What is the difference between an improved Neubauer chamber and an old Neubauer chamber?

The improved Neubauer chamber has a higher number of grid squares and is easier to clean than the old Neubauer chamber.

How do you clean a Neubauer chamber?

A Neubauer chamber should be cleaned with distilled water and a mild detergent, then dried with a lint-free cloth.

What is the limit of detection for a Neubauer chamber?

The limit of detection for a Neubauer chamber is around 5-10 cells per microliter.

How do you calculate the dilution factor for a sample?

The dilution factor is calculated by dividing the volume of the sample added to the diluent by the total volume of the sample plus diluent.

How many cells should be counted in a Neubauer chamber?

At least 100 cells should be counted in a Neubauer chamber to obtain an accurate result.

What is the advantage of using a Neubauer chamber for cell counting?

The advantage of using a Neubauer chamber for cell counting is that it provides an accurate and reproducible method for counting cells.

What is the disadvantage of using a Neubauer chamber for cell counting?

The disadvantage of using a Neubauer chamber for cell counting is that it requires a skilled operator and can be time-consuming.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Neubauer chamber, also known as the hemocytometer, is an important tool for cell counting in research, clinical, and industrial settings. It provides a simple and accurate method for determining cell concentration and has various types with different specifications and applications. Proper handling and cleaning of the Neubauer chamber are essential for accurate results. However, it is important to consider the limitations and sources of error, such as cell clumping, uneven distribution, and user error. With proper technique and attention to detail, the Neubauer chamber can be a reliable tool for cell counting.

Possible References Used