Counting chambers with spring clips for cellular analysis

Counting chambers with clips are high-precision devices used to quantify cells, particles or formed elements in liquids, particularly in vitro analysis and routine clinical diagnostics. They incorporate a securing system with small metal clips (spring clips) that firmly hold the cover glass on the chamber supports, ensuring a constant analysis volume.

These clips offer a significant advantage in terms of repeatability and reliability as they:

• Ensure uniform and stable contact of the cover glass.
• Minimise errors caused by bubbles, displacement or incorrect positioning.
• Facilitate use by less experienced users and in high-turnover environments.

Manufactured from special optical glass, they feature a double laser-engraved reticle on ground and polished surfaces. Each unit is supplied in an individual plastic box with two standardised cover glasses of 0.4 mm thickness.

The available models allow duplicate determination to improve the reliability of cell counts. All chambers are calibrated according to DIN 12 847, comply with the precision criteria of the German Calibration Order and bear the CE mark, making them suitable for professional in vitro diagnostics.

Reticle types

• Dark lines: engraved directly into the glass, appearing as a dark grid under the microscope.
• Bright lines: engraved on a mirrored metallic layer, visible in negative contrast or reflected light.

Usage conditions and recommendations

To ensure accurate measurements with counting chambers equipped with clips, it is essential that:

• The chamber is completely clean and free of any residues or cleaning agents.
• The cover glass is correctly positioned on the supports and secured with clips, without looseness or movement.
• Visual confirmation is made to ensure no air bubbles are trapped between the reticle and the cover glass.
• Ambient temperature is controlled, particularly when working with thermosensitive liquids.

Manufacturing tolerances according to DIN standards

• Depth in counting zone: ±2 % of nominal value.
• Line spacing < 0.4 mm: ±2 μm.
• Line spacing ≥ 0.4 mm: ±0.5 % of nominal value.
• Grid angle: ±1°.
• Maximum line width: < 5 μm.
• Chamber bottom flatness: 2 μm.
• Support surface flatness: 2 μm.
• Cover glass flatness: 3 μm (DIN 58884).