From: Allen
Date: 3/14/98
Time: 5:18:49 PM
Remote Name: 198.161.229.186
<<<I noticed that when Jon takes the samples that he puts the bees in alcohol and water. I just put the bees in an empty container and test them as soon as I get home. Could this make a difference?>>>
Good question. I can't se how this would make any difference, since the spores should not be affected visibly by the alcohol, and the viscosity is about the same as water FAIAP. I think the spores get into suspension just as well, but I guess I just don't know. ...Anyone?
<<<When you add the liquid to the hemocytometer do you put the cover slip on first and then add the liquid from the side of the cover slip? The liquid will flow under the slip by itself. This may give you consistant amounts of liquid on your grid which may result in more consistent results.>>>
We discovered this pretty early on. We noticed a difference that we attributed to trash holding the cover up if the drop was placed on the surface and a slide cover then added, rather than using the side grooves with the cover on as directed. It seemed to make about a 25% difference in the count in one case.
Good comments. Thanks.
Allen
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