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Author Topic: Hemocytometer setup recommendations  (Read 4624 times)

Offline hubie

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Hemocytometer setup recommendations
« on: June 04, 2012, 08:01:48 am »
Because I'm a laboratory guy, for me there's nothing better than making measurements and analyzing data.  To this end I've been wanting to play around with yeast counting.  I pulled out a simple student microscope from the back of the closet, though I failed to check what power it has.  I'm looking for recommendations for a basic hemocytometer setup.  Poking around the Internet I see prices on counting chambers that range from $30 to $500.  What kind of chamber do I need and at what quality?  I expect that I would be using it on the order of 6-10 times per year.  What magnification range is useful for counting?

Offline tom

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Re: Hemocytometer setup recommendations
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2012, 09:41:49 am »
A 40X objective.  The most affordable hemacytometer should be fine.
Check out page 7 in this Brewing Laboratory Handbook by the Brewing Science Institute.
http://brewingscience.com/PDF/BSI_brewers_lab_handbook.pdf
Brew on

Offline hubie

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Re: Hemocytometer setup recommendations
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2012, 09:15:24 pm »
Thank you.  That looks like a handy document. 

Offline tschmidlin

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Re: Hemocytometer setup recommendations
« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2012, 12:43:20 am »
I prefer something with greater power, but that's me.  Scope work tends to give me a headache, and larger is just easier on the eyes.  Even better if you can rig a digital camera to the optic and look at it on a screen.  A little clicker counter is helpful too, better for me than trying to mark it down.
Tom Schmidlin

Offline tom

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Re: Hemocytometer setup recommendations
« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2012, 12:50:42 pm »
+1 on the clicker.  Isn't the next power up oil immersion?

Any advice on a digital or USB camera for it?
Brew on

Offline tschmidlin

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Re: Hemocytometer setup recommendations
« Reply #5 on: June 06, 2012, 12:09:34 am »
We had 100x with no oil in the lab I used to work in, but I don't remember the brand name.
Tom Schmidlin