A disposable counting chamber for urinary cytology

Abstract

The construction and use of a disposable cell-counting chamber is described. The technique is intended primarily for the assessment of the cell content of urine. The chamber is made from an ordinary microscope slide and three cover-slips. Used in conjunction with a microscope calibrated by a simple method, it permits the estimation of urinary cell concentrations in terms of number of cells per cubic millimeter. The accuracy of the results obtained in this way is comparable to that achieved with conventional hemocytometers, and is adequate for the purposes described. The chief advantages of a disposable chamber lie in the saving of time and labor, since the disinfection and cleaning necessary when using conventional hemocytometers are obviated.