Diluting the sample for yeast cell counting

Before measurement, the yeast sample may have to be diluted in order to reach the yeast cell counter’s optimal measurement range. We recommend dilutions that result in ~ 5 – 100 cells per image.

The yeast cell microscope can also be used for measurements outside of this range; however, this may influence the accuracy of the measurements.

For the yeast sample to be diluted, an appropriate amount of water must be added.

These instructions will take you through the most common dilution as an example. Based on the density of your yeast sample, a weaker or stronger dilution may be required.

First, fill your measuring cylinder with 99ml of water. Fill your Pasteur pipette with 1ml of yeast and empty it into the measuring cylinder. Run the solution in and out of the pipette three times to make sure it is completely empty. Then, use the Pasteur pipette to stir vigorously – now it’s diluted!

The following video illustrates the sample dilution in detail.

 

If you also want to measure yeast viability, you need to stain the sample. Otherwise, you can continue to load the chamber immediately.