Table 6 Comparison of the methods used to calculate microspore density. Accuracy is expressed in terms of deviation from the real/inicial value, precision in terms of coefficient of variation (CV) and reproducibility in terms of coefficient of repeatability (CR)
From: Comparison of six different methods to calculate cell densities
Accuracy (% deviation) | Precision (CV) | Reproducibility (CR) | Approximate time needed (min) | Ease of use | Estimated round basic price | Strength | Weakness | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Neubauer | High (13%) | High (17%) | Moderate (175.9) | 45 | Very easy | € 260 + microscope | Cheap, straightforward and accurate | Only good precision with high number of countings |
Flow cytometry + PI | Low (32%) | Low (26%) | High (39.2) | 90a | Moderate | Highly reproducible | Slow, expensive, low accuracy and precision | |
~€35.000 (optional ~ €29.000) | ||||||||
Flow cytometry + SSC | Low (30%) | Low (27%) | High (36.3) | 15 | Easy | ~€35.000 | Fast, highly reproducible, straightforward | Expensive, low accuracy and precision |
Automated counter | Low (32%) | Moderate (19%) | Moderate (109.6) | 15 | Very easy | €15.000–€20.000 | Fast and easy | Moderately expensive and accurate |
Field counting | Low (33%) | Moderate (21%) | Low (248.4) | 30 | Easy | Inverted microscope | Very cheap and straightforward | Laborious, low accuracy and reproducibility |