Synopsis
For every professional in digital pathology, the right microscope is crucial. Each microscope available in the market today represents a unique solution for diverse needs. This vast array of models can sometimes be overwhelming. In this article, we will explore a structured and detailed overview of the microscopes that professionals use in the field of digital pathology. Whether you need new equipment for your research or need a device for your laboratory, an informed choice about the best microscope is the key.
Why Is a High-Quality Microscope Important?
A high-quality microscope is critical for accurate results in digital pathology. It all depends on which type goes best with your specific needs. You need to answer first: Do I need the device for individual research, or do I need it to set up a digital pathology laboratory? Once you have an answer to this question, you need to then understand the different characteristics of available microscopes in the market. Depending on your needs, you need to select the right microscope and enhance your productivity.
Types and Functions of Different Microscopes
Each microscope found in the market is designed for a specific use. Before picking the one that meets your needs in the best way, think about the microscope’s intended use. Many microscopes are parfocal. These microscopes enable you to stay in focus when switching between different objectives. This characteristic can help you if your research requires you to stay in focus all the time.
Stereo Microscopes
Stereo microscopes are an ideal choice for examining subjects that need to be held in hand. They provide a three-dimensional view with magnifications ranging from 10X to 40X, making them invaluable for scientific research in digital pathology. This type of microscope is particularly useful when you need to view samples without light passing through them, such as when examining the surface anatomy of specimens.
Inverted Microscopes
Inverted microscopes come as biological inverted microscopes and metallurgical inverted microscopes. Inverted microscopes can provide magnification from 40x up to 400x. Inverted microscopes are the top choice for examining living samples in a petri dish, which can be placed in the space under the objectives. These microscopes are helpful in the field of researching tissues and cells, especially living cells.
Polarizing Microscopes
Experts observe chemicals, rocks, and minerals the most under polarizing microscopes. Users of polarizing microscopes are generally geologists, chemists, petrologists, and pharmaceutical experts. These microscopes have a polarizer and an analyzer. The polarizer allows only certain light waves to pass through it. You can determine the amount of light and direction of light by an analyzer. These microscopes are the preferred choice when you need to examine birefringent materials.
Biological Microscopes
Biological microscopes are found under the name of compound microscopes. Multi-lens configurations are the unique features of biological microscopes. Biological microscopes use a combination of lenses, including an objective lens and an ocular lens. This helps it provide a provide detailed magnification. Histologists and pathologists use it widely among all other diverse microscope types.
Sample Observation Through Biological Microscopes
For high-level research purposes, specimens must be carefully prepared on a microscope slide before a biological microscope is used. The sample must also be covered with a coverslip on a flat surface. Digital pathology experts use biological microscopes for diverse purposes. To cater to these varied requirements, there are multiple models of biological microscopes available in the market. Biological microscopes are a crucial tool in histology and pathology research.
The Possibilities of Biological Microscope
Biological microscopes are used to study samples including blood cells, cheek cells, parasites, bacteria, cheek cells, tissue cells, and thin sections of organs among many other applications. The magnification of a biological microscope goes from 40x up to 1000x. Some models offer magnification over 1000x. You need to be careful when using these microscopes as they often result in empty magnification with low resolution. Biological microscopes work on the principle that the combination of lenses enhances the magnification of the sample. You first view the sample as a primary image in the tube and then again view it in the eyepiece.
Which Digital Microscopes to Buy?
Many models catering to different applications are available in the market today. The first step in selecting a microscope is to identify its specific purpose. It is important to determine whether the microscope will be used for research, diagnostics, or other activities. Before deciding, you must consider all the benefits it offers. This exercise will help you achieve the best results. Digital microscopes and slide scanners from PreciPoint such as the M8, O8, and iO:M8 can do much more than the regular traditional microscopes. Each one of the digital microscopes is tailored for specific needs, from whole slide scanning to analyzing frozen sections.
Conclusion
In the contemporary market, there is a wide range of digital microscope models. Each one of them is designed for diverse purposes. Before selecting a microscope for your laboratory or research purposes, the first thing you do is to find its purpose. You need to understand the specific features that you will require in your day-to-day pathological or research activities. From the multitude of options available, you can pick from stereo microscopes, compound microscopes, and polarizing microscopes. An increasing number of professionals and organizations opt for these types of devices. They are cost-effective and efficiently deliver enhanced results.
