Cell Counting Using a Haemocytometer
A haemocytometer is a specialized microscope slide used for counting cells in a given
volume of liquid. The counting process involves loading a bacterial suspension into the
haemocytometer's grid Cell and using a formula to calculate the cell concentration.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Cell Counting
1. Dilution of Cell Suspension (if necessary)
If the cell concentration is too high, perform serial dilutions to obtain an
appropriate density for counting.
2. Loading the Haemocytometer o
Place a coverslip over the haemocytometer.
Use a pipette to transfer 10 µL of the bacterial sample onto the grid. The
liquid should spread evenly under the coverslip by capillary action.
3. Microscopic Examination
Place the haemocytometer under a light
microscope at 40X magnification.
Focus on the grid pattern for counting.
Haemocytometer Grid Structure
• The central grid consists of 9 large squares.
• The central large square is further divided into 25 smaller squares, each containing 16
smaller subdivisions.
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A haemocytometer is a specialized microscope slide used for counting cells in a given
volume of liquid. The counting process involves loading a bacterial suspension into the
haemocytometer's grid Cell and using a formula to calculate the cell concentration.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Cell Counting
1. Dilution of Cell Suspension (if necessary)
If the cell concentration is too high, perform serial dilutions to obtain an
appropriate density for counting.
2. Loading the Haemocytometer o
Place a coverslip over the haemocytometer.
Use a pipette to transfer 10 µL of the bacterial sample onto the grid. The
liquid should spread evenly under the coverslip by capillary action.
3. Microscopic Examination
Place the haemocytometer under a light
microscope at 40X magnification.
Focus on the grid pattern for counting.
Haemocytometer Grid Structure
• The central grid consists of 9 large squares.
• The central large square is further divided into 25 smaller squares, each containing 16
smaller subdivisions.
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