Counting Chambers without Clips for Cellular Analysis

Counting chambers are high-precision instruments used to determine the number of particles, cells, or formed elements in liquids, especially in vitro analysis and clinical diagnostics.

Manufactured from special optical glass, each unit incorporates a double laser-engraved grid on ground and polished surfaces. The chamber is defined between two elevated, polished supports on which a 0.4 mm thick coverslip is placed to delimit the analysis volume. All models are calibrated according to DIN 12 847 and comply with the accuracy standards of the German Calibration Order. They are approved for in vitro diagnostic applications and CE marked.

The manufacturing tolerance of the chamber depth is ±2 %, and the grids offer optimised visibility depending on the engraving type:

• Dark lines: engraved directly on the glass base, forming a visible dark grid under the microscope.
• Bright lines: engraved on a mirrored metallic layer, visible under normal light or in negative contrast when adjusting the microscope.

These models allow for double determination to enhance reliability when analysing cell suspensions. Supplied in an individual plastic box with two standardised coverslips. Clips not included.

Usage Conditions and Accuracy

To ensure reliable results, it is essential that:

• The chamber is perfectly clean and free of residues.
• The coverslip is properly positioned on the polished supports.
• The ambient temperature is controlled.

Technical specifications and tolerances according to DIN 12847 (version 2005-04-08) and DIN 7184:

• Counting depth: ±2 % of nominal value.
• Line spacing < 0.4 mm: ±2 μm.
• Line spacing ≥ 0.4 mm: ±0.5 % of nominal value.
• Grid angle: ±1°.
• Line width: < 5 μm.
• Chamber base flatness: 2 μm.
• Support surface flatness: 2 μm.
• Coverslip flatness: 3 μm (according to DIN 58884).

The Improved ECO model is a budget version intended mainly for training, demonstrations and educational use. Although it has the same geometric features as professional chambers, it is not CE certified and is therefore not suitable for clinical or in vitro diagnostics.

Clipless chambers allow easier handling and are placed directly on the microscope stage. Suitable for repeated observations in low-complexity environments. Their simple and economical design allows for greater versatility and easy cleaning. However, as the coverslip must be manually placed on the polished edges of the chamber, greater technical skill is required. Improper placement may lead to volume errors or bubbles. Typically used in research, teaching, or occasional analysis where personnel can take time for proper assembly.

Suggested applications by model:

• Neubauer and Improved Neubauer: suitable for general red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts in basic haematology.
• Neubauer ECO: suitable for training and educational use, without CE certification.
• Thoma: recommended for sperm count and semen analysis.
• Burker: used in microbiology and yeast analysis. Also applied in brewery quality control and for pig semen evaluation.
• Fuchs-Rosenthal: especially useful for low-cell-density fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid.

Adaptable to various laboratory settings, this chamber offers accuracy and reliability in every measurement.

Counting Chamber for Semen Analysis (Specialised Urino‑Haemocytometer)

This compact device, measuring 76 × 32 × 5 mm, is ideal for professional semen analysis, with a counting volume of 0.1 μl. The grid features 0.1 × 0.1 mm fields and an exact depth of 0.01 mm. It enables accurate sperm cell counts thanks to its validated and standardised geometry.