What is a Hemacytometer?

A hemacytometer, also known as a hemocytometer or hematocrit centrifuge tube, is a specialized glass tube used to measure the volume of blood cells in a sample of blood. It is commonly used in clinical settings to determine the number of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets in a patient's blood.

The hemacytometer consists of a narrow, cylindrical tube with graduated markings on the side to measure the height of the blood layer. The tube is filled with a small volume of blood, and the blood cells are allowed to settle at the bottom of the tube. The height of the blood layer is then measured using the graduated markings, and the number of cells in the sample can be calculated based on the height.

The hemacytometer is a simple, cost-effective tool that has been used for many years to perform blood cell counts. It is still widely used today, although more advanced automated blood cell counters have largely replaced it in many clinical settings.