Direct microscopic count is a method used to determine the number of microorganisms in a sample by observing them under a microscope. A small volume of the sample is placed on a counting chamber, often called a hemocytometer, which has a grid pattern. The microorganisms are counted directly, allowing for an estimation of their concentration in the original sample. This technique is quick and does not require culturing the organisms, making it useful for assessing the presence of bacteria, yeasts, or protozoa in various environments. However, it does not differentiate between live and dead cells, which can be a limitation in some studies.