New turbidimetric device for measuring cell concentrations in thick microbial suspensions.

A photoelectric turbidimeter is described for use in measuring cell concentrations in thick suspensions. Its sample cuvette provides a path length continuously adjustable between 0.01 and 20.00 mm. By reducing the path length, it is possible to measure the optical density in thick cell suspensions without dilution. Moreover, the method described is rapid and simple, and only small amounts (less than 1 ml) of cell suspensions are required. The method is applicable to cell concentrations ranging up to 10(9)/ml for yeast.