Preferred Microscopes for routine surgical path/cytopath

[Alteran]

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Its been while since I've visited this forum, so I apologize in advance if this topic has been covered before.

Our residency program is considering upgrading the current fleet of microscopes used by the residents and I'm spearheading that effort. As such, I would like to get a feel for what people in the path world are currently using to include the following:

1. What scope(s) are accepted as industry standard for routine previewing/signout?
2. What is the minimum objective caliber (i.e. plan, fluor, apochromat, etc.) that is acceptable for routine surgical path use including cytology?
3. What is your preferred scope?

As always, I'm appreciative of any responses and input. Thanks again.

 

[SPQR]

We use Olympus scopes. Newer BX models for attendings and more senior residents and older BH moderls for rest of residents. Overall they work pretty well. Common objectives are 2X, 4X, 10X, 40X and 100X oil. I actually also like to use 20X (if I can get my hands on them).

Nikon also makes some good scopes with LED illumination. Both are expensive. I am sure there are cheaper brands out there.

 

[Patho2009]

The best microscopes are those which hold SIX objectives. These are: 2X, 4X, 10X, 20X, 40X, and 100X Oil. We put the 60X instead the 100X as the latter is used by heme people only and we don't want to have an "oily mess" on the stage of the microscope. Be advised that 60X is the highest dry objective and might be useful for cytology and microorganisms. 60X is also important to take close up pictures for publications. Microscopes used for taking pictures should contain (observation tube) which is usually added upon customer request, increasing the cost of the microscope.

The series of Olympus BX microscopes are the best. They can hold six objectives.


I have been in three different institutions and they all use Olympus microscopes.

In multiheaded microscopes (sign out rooms), the driving microscope is usually Olympus with six objectives., as are the microscopes for attendings. In resident/fellow rooms, cheaper microscopes are used. Those are either Nikon or Olympus but with 4 or 5 objectives. The cheaper microscopes usually do not have 2X objectives because 2X objectives require "flipper" which inceases the cost. Therefore, microscopes in the residents/fellow room usually carry five objectives: 4X, 10X, 20X, 40X and 100X (or 60X instead of the oil 100X). Depending on the budget, you can also provide microscopes with six objectives in the residents/fellows room.


My personal experience is excellent with Olympus. They are very efficient in fixing any defects, responsive to calls and inquiries, and do on site visits for maintenance or repair.

The one I use is BX41 http://www.olympusamerica.com/seg_section/product.asp?product=1032&p=125&sub=4

I am fan of Olympus. I do not have experience with Nikon and therefore I cannot recommend it, although I heard postive feedback about them ..Therefore, you can either choose Olympus or Niken..but not others.

Hope this info will help.

 

[SPQR]

and when you got to CAP meeting, be sure to visit manufacturer's demo booth. It is like being a kid at a candy store.

I like the Nikon for their illumination, but hate their awkward condensor "flip switch".... The Nikon rep also told me that the LED illumination can be powered for hours on alkaline batteries!

 

[BU Pathology]

It may be useful to look at what others in the group are using. If everyone has an Olympus or Nikon, you may find better service since the local rep will want to keep the entire group happy.

 

[zao275]

I use Olympus BX51 with 2x, 4x, 10x, 20x and 40x. I hate oil, but I am a dermpath and soft tissue guy. I agree that Nikon LED illumination is very nice and seems easy on the eyes, but I have never used one for an extended period, just played with it at CAP or USCAP vendor booth.

 

[deleted314957]

i have an olympus BH ( for the past 27 years) that i have really "tricked out". After the parts it is essentially only a couple years old. i have the superwide trinoc head with the SWHK super wide field eyepieces. the objectives are 2x flourite, 4X,10x, 20x and 40x S plan Apo's which are the top objectives for the 160 mm optical tube lenght model. Binocular teaching head for docs who come to my office and a CCD camera to computer for imaging. oil, which i rarely use is 100x s plan.

 

[zao275]

New MTV show: Pimp My Scope!

 

[Entgegen]

New MTV show: Pimp My Scope!

I'm a bit of an amateur astronomer and I can totally relate when it comes to scopes (tele- or micro-). There are some damn fine eyepieces that can cost more than a lot of scopes (and you can go bankrupt if you spring for the whole range of focal lengths). Finely crafted chunks of glass can be a thing of beauty.