
( Brand: Clay Adams Bd ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 60285 ), ( Part Type: Manual Counter ), ( Intended Use/discipline: Biological Laboratory, Dental Laboratory, Medical Laboratory, Microbiological Laboratory, Physical Laboratory ), ( Country Of Origin: United States ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Material: Metal ), ( Additional Search Terms: Surplus Laboratory Bench Supplies Consumables )
The **Clay Adams BD 60285 Benchtop Manual Laboratory Counter** is a precision-engineered, high-performance instrument designed to deliver accurate and reliable cell counting with ease and efficiency in laboratory settings. Built with a robust, durable construction, this manual counter features a sturdy acrylic base and a high-quality, non-reflective counting chamber that ensures optimal visibility and minimizes parallax errors during manual cell enumeration. The chamber s design incorporates a grid pattern with clearly marked 1 mm squares, allowing researchers to count cells with precision across a standardized area, whether working with blood smears, bacterial cultures, or other biological samples. Its compact, benchtop form factor makes it an ideal choice for laboratories with limited space, offering a portable yet powerful solution for routine hematology, microbiology, or cytology applications. The counter s manual operation provides full control over the counting process, enabling users to adjust focus and magnification as needed for different sample types, while the included pipette aids in precise sample loading and distribution within the chamber. Constructed with materials that resist chemical corrosion and wear, the BD 60285 is built to withstand frequent use in demanding environments, ensuring long-term durability and consistent performance. Whether used for quality control in clinical settings, educational demonstrations, or routine research, this counter delivers the reliability and accuracy required for critical cell counting tasks, making it an indispensable tool for laboratories seeking a dependable, user-friendly alternative to automated systems.
**Pros and Cons of buying a Clay Adams BD 60285 Benchtop Manual Laboratory Counter**
### **Pros**
1. **Precision and Reliability** The BD 60285 is designed for accurate cell counting, which is critical in laboratory settings. It uses a manual counting chamber method, ensuring consistency when performed correctly.
2. **Cost-Effective for Small Labs** Compared to automated cell counters, this manual model is significantly cheaper, making it a practical choice for small laboratories, educational institutions, or budget-conscious research settings.
3. **Versatility** It can be used for a variety of cell types, including blood cells, bacteria, and other microorganisms, depending on the staining technique and sample preparation.
4. **Low Maintenance** Being a manual device, it requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional cleaning and calibration checks, reducing long-term operational costs.
5. **Portability** Its benchtop design allows for easy movement between labs or fieldwork, making it useful in mobile or temporary research environments.
6. **No Dependency on Power or Software** Unlike electronic counters, this device does not require electricity or specialized software, reducing potential technical issues.
7. **Educational Value** For students or trainees, using a manual counter helps develop foundational skills in microscopy and cell counting techniques.
### **Cons**
1. **Time-Consuming** Manual counting is labor-intensive, requiring careful observation under a microscope, which can slow down workflows in high-volume laboratories.
2. **Human Error Risk** Results depend entirely on the operator s skill and attention to detail. Inconsistencies can occur due to fatigue, miscounting, or improper staining.
3. **Limited Throughput** Unlike automated systems, it cannot process large numbers of samples quickly, making it impractical for high-demand clinical or industrial applications.
4. **Requires Microscope Access** The device itself does not include a microscope; users must have one available, adding to the initial setup cost.
5. **Sample Preparation Sensitivity** Improper staining or dilution can lead to inaccurate counts, requiring additional expertise or trial-and-error adjustments.
6. **Less Data Tracking** Unlike digital counters, it does not automatically record or analyze data, meaning manual logging is necessary, which can introduce transcription errors.
7. **Durability Concerns** While generally sturdy, glass counting chambers are fragile and can break if mishandled, potentially damaging samples or requiring replacements.
### **Conclusion**
The Clay Adams BD 60285 benchtop manual counter is a practical and affordable option for small laboratories, educational settings, or situations where automation is unnecessary or unavailable. Its precision, low maintenance, and portability make it suitable for applications where human oversight is acceptable and speed is not a critical factor. However, its limitations in speed, susceptibility to human error, and lack of automation may make it impractical for large-scale or high-throughput environments.
### **Recommendation**
Purchase the BD 60285 if:- You operate in a small lab, educational institution, or field setting where cost and simplicity are priorities.
- You have trained personnel who can perform accurate manual counts.
- You do not require rapid or high-volume sample processing.
- You already have access to a microscope and are willing to invest time in sample preparation and counting.
Avoid it if:- Your lab handles a high volume of samples and requires faster turnaround times.
- You lack experienced staff to ensure consistent, error-free counting.
- You need automated data logging, statistical analysis, or integration with laboratory information systems.
- You are working with samples that demand the highest precision and reproducibility, where automated counters may be preferable.
For most research or clinical labs with moderate needs, pairing this manual counter with occasional use of automated systems could provide the best balance of cost, accuracy, and efficiency.
Reset to zero using the right side handle. Lab Bench Supplies. BIOTECH BARGAINS item for sale. Good used working condition.
Manually count 5 different items, provides total.