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3 Fold Serial Dilution Formula:
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3-fold serial dilution is a laboratory technique where a sample is diluted three times at each step, creating a series of solutions with concentrations decreasing by a factor of three at each dilution step.
The calculator uses the 3-fold serial dilution formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the concentration after n steps of 3-fold serial dilution, where each step reduces the concentration to one-third of the previous step's concentration.
Details: Serial dilution is crucial in various scientific fields including microbiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology for creating concentration gradients, determining unknown concentrations, and preparing samples for analysis.
Tips: Enter the initial concentration in appropriate units and the number of dilution steps. Both values must be valid (concentration > 0, steps ≥ 0).
Q1: What units should I use for concentration?
A: The calculator works with any concentration units (mg/mL, μM, %, etc.) as long as you maintain consistency throughout your calculations.
Q2: How many dilution steps are typically performed?
A: Typically 5-10 steps are performed, but this depends on the specific experimental requirements and the desired concentration range.
Q3: What's the difference between serial and parallel dilution?
A: Serial dilution uses the diluted solution from the previous step to make the next dilution, while parallel dilution makes all dilutions directly from the original stock solution.
Q4: When should I use 3-fold vs other dilution factors?
A: 3-fold dilutions are useful when you need a moderate concentration range. Smaller factors (2-fold) give finer resolution, larger factors (10-fold) cover wider ranges more quickly.
Q5: How do I prepare actual 3-fold serial dilutions?
A: Mix 1 part sample with 2 parts diluent at each step, then use 1 part of this mixture for the next dilution step.