Category
Laboratory
Typical Use
Count cells in fluid samples.
Description
A specialized glass slide with a calibrated grid used for manual counting of cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets in fluid samples when automated counters are unavailable or for validation purposes. Hemocytometer counting requires dilution, staining, and careful microscopic technique to ensure accurate cell enumeration and reproducibility, and is commonly used in hematology, microbiology, and research laboratories. While manual counting is labor intensive and subject to operator variability, it remains a valuable method for quality control and specific applications where automated methods are unsuitable. Proper cleaning, calibration, and training are necessary to maintain counting accuracy and reliable laboratory data.