1. What is the Cell Count Dilution Formula?

The cell count dilution formula calculates the concentration of cells in a solution by accounting for the dilution factor. It's commonly used in hematology, microbiology, and cell culture work.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cell count formula:

Where:

• \( C \) — Cell concentration (cells/mL)
• \( \text{counted\_cells} \) — Number of cells counted
• \( \text{volume\_counted} \) — Volume in which cells were counted (mL)
• \( DF \) — Dilution factor (unitless)

Explanation: The formula adjusts the raw cell count by the volume examined and any dilution that was applied to the sample before counting.

3. Importance of Cell Counting

Details: Accurate cell counting is essential for experiments, clinical diagnostics, and quality control in bioprocessing. It helps determine cell density for seeding cultures, assessing growth rates, and preparing samples for analysis.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of cells counted, the volume in which they were counted (in mL), and the dilution factor applied to the original sample. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if I didn't dilute my sample?
A: If no dilution was applied, use a dilution factor of 1.

Q2: How do I determine the dilution factor?
A: The dilution factor is the reciprocal of the dilution. For example, a 1:10 dilution has a DF of 10.

Q3: What counting methods can this be used with?
A: This formula works with hemocytometer counts, automated cell counter results, or any method where you count cells in a known volume.

Q4: Should I count multiple areas for better accuracy?
A: Yes, counting multiple areas and averaging the results improves accuracy, especially for low cell concentrations.

Q5: How does this differ for viable vs. total cell counts?
A: The calculation is the same, but viability requires separate staining and counting of live/dead cells.