Counting Cells with Unopette®

When counting blood cells with a hemacytometer, the most difficult task is distinguishing between nucleated blood cells (leukocytes, black arrow), and red blood cells (red arrow) if these have not been lysed (ex: cerebrospinal fluid tap specimen). Leukocytes can be identified by their large size and granular texture. Erythrocytes have a biconcave shape, which can be reflected by a darker depression in their center. It is important to adequately illuminate the field and to place the microscope’s condenser on the lowest setting.

Wright's stain, 100x

Wright's stain, 400x Return to menu