Reading SQL Performance Counters using PowerShell script

I'm trying create a PS script to read some performance counter about my SQL for my Level 1 partners but I'm having a problem with the instance name. I'm using this code: $computer = "\\\" + $ENV:Computername $instance = $computer + '\MSSQL$SG25DB' write-Host $instance Write-Output -InputObject "Use of Memory Buffer. The expected value must be greater than 80." Get-Counter "$instance:Buffer Manager\Buffer cache hit ratio" and the output is: \\\\[hostname]\\MSSQL$SG25DB <--- Here appears the proper value :) Use of Memory Buffer. The expected value must be greater than 80. Get-Counter : The specified counter path could not be interpreted. At line:5 char:12 + Get-Counter <<<< "$instance:Buffer Manager\Buffer cache hit ratio" + CategoryInfo : InvalidResult: (:) [Get-Counter], Exception + FullyQualifiedErrorId : CounterApiError,Microsoft.PowerShell.Commands.GetCounterCommand I have verified with Write-Host that the value of variable $instance is properly constructed but when I apply it to the Get-Counter command its fails. Do you have any idea? Could be related with the special character $? How can I make run it properly?