Microscopes for the Esco IVF Workstations

Clinical Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) laboratories make use of a variety of microscopes with which to accomplish various gamete (ova and sperm) selection and clinical procedures. Processes like oocyte pick-up, embryo handling, and micromanipulation require various types of microscopes. Most common models of stereo zoom microscopes, transmitted light sources and inverted microscopes can be integrated into Esco IVF Workstations (Multi-zone ART Workstations – MAW and MAW Class II).

Choosing the right microscope in the IVF laboratory primarily depends on the operation or application the clinic performs. Some important considerations are as follow:

• General microscopy work: 

  This requires the use of upright microscopes that are useful during assessment and visualization of sperm (in terms of their morphology, motility and viability).

• Microscope with an inverted design: 

  Such kind is useful in instances wherein the specimen stage is subjected to heating, letting cells or embryos to be sustained at temperature constant to the human body (which is 37°C). 

• Microscope with a wide range of magnification objectives:

  This will allow accurate adjustments to the stage permitting the integration and control of micro-tools precision vital for sperm and egg cells handling during ICSI.

•  Integration of an infra-red laser system in (inverted) microscopes: 

  During genetic screening, such a feature will prompt the exceptionally exact removal of the embryo’s outer membrane, allowing single cells to be extracted.

• 1. Upright microscopes

  make use of a transmitted light source and condenser that are located below the stage, pointing up. Such microscope’s objectives are placed on top of the stage, pointing down. The specimen/ samples are then observed from the top through the lid of a petri dish or a coverslip. They are primarily used to visualize and assess sperm vitality tests (morphology, motility, and viability) and sperm preparation.

• 2. Inverted microscopes

  are made with the tip of the objective pointing upward in order to view the specimen from beneath. The objective is below the stage and the light is directed on the specimen from above. This type of microscope is appropriate for viewing the samples (cells) to be observed through culture vessels and is used with micromanipulators for processes such as ICSI, IMSI.

• 3. Stereo microscopes

  provide a 3-dimensional or a "stereo" image when viewing through the microscope. Using such kind makes it simple to view a sample in the entire field of view, allowing efficient focusing and zooming in of a specific part of interest. These are used to assess ova selection, pre-treatment of ova by means of IVF techniques and for manipulation.

This is a type of optical microscope that allows the user to see a three-dimensional view of a specimen. This Esco MS-I Stereo Microscope is very useful in assessing oocyte and embryo morphology and viability. It has a builtin camera mount where you can place your camera set for better viewing and documentation of images. Moreover, additional objective lenses (0,3x, 0,4x, 0,75x) can be screwed on the microscope head for additional magnification.

• PK-Mount and Camera Set:

  Allows mounting a camera set that will help the user to have a better look on their slide.

• Adjustable Interpupillary Distance:

  Allows adjustment of the distance between two eyepieces depending on their preference.

• Up Light Source:

  This is one of the adaptations in an inverted designed microscope that is useful in an IVF laboratory as it is designed for inspection of gametes and embryos.

• Black and White Work Board:

  This enhances the user’s viewing of specimen/ samples.

Do you encounter problems when using your stereomicroscope? The performance of the microscope can't be made fully because of unfamiliar use. This table will give some advice.