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Dilution Factor Formula:
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The dilution factor (DF) is a dimensionless number that represents the ratio of the total volume after dilution to the original sample volume. It indicates how many times the original sample has been diluted and is crucial for accurate cell counting calculations in laboratory settings.
The calculator uses the dilution factor formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the factor by which the original sample concentration is reduced after adding diluent. A DF of 1 means no dilution, while higher values indicate greater dilution.
Details: Accurate dilution factor calculation is essential for determining actual cell concentrations from counted samples. It ensures reliable results in cell culture experiments, hematology tests, and various biological assays where proper dilution is required to achieve countable cell densities.
Tips: Enter the sample volume and diluent volume in milliliters. Both values must be positive numbers, with sample volume greater than zero. The calculator will compute the dilution factor needed for accurate cell concentration calculations.
Q1: Why is dilution necessary in cell counting?
A: Dilution is necessary to achieve an appropriate cell concentration for accurate counting, typically between 20-50 cells per counting chamber square to avoid overcrowding or undercounting.
Q2: What does a dilution factor of 10 mean?
A: A DF of 10 means the original sample has been diluted 10 times. For example, if you count 100 cells in the diluted sample, the actual concentration would be 100 × 10 = 1000 cells in the original volume.
Q3: How do I choose the right dilution factor?
A: The ideal dilution factor depends on your expected cell concentration. For dense cultures, higher dilution factors are needed. It's often determined through preliminary testing or experience with similar samples.
Q4: Can I use this calculator for serial dilutions?
A: This calculator computes the dilution factor for a single dilution step. For serial dilutions, you would need to multiply the dilution factors of each step to get the total dilution factor.
Q5: What if I get a dilution factor less than 1?
A: A dilution factor cannot be less than 1, as this would imply concentration rather than dilution. Ensure you're entering the sample volume correctly and that diluent volume is not negative.