Why Slide Loaders Are So Important To Microscopy
Most biological samples being analyzed today are hazardous
. This leaves the laboratory technician or laboratory scientist exposed to possible contagions. Preparing microscope slides of organisms or tissues can be a risk factor for transmission. Microscope slide loaders aid in the reduction of exposure for these vital medical personnel.
A slide loader is a mechanical device that can be attached to nearly any microscope. This simple yet elegant machine can be computer controlled, and can load slides into the microscope without needing handling by personnel. It can also be fully automated to run unattended, for measuring and analyze the specimens on the slides.
A cassette is used in this process, which, depending on the model, will determine how many slides can be loaded at any time. The cassette is then loaded into the mechanism which will pull each slide out and place it on the microscope stage for viewing. The glass slide then flows to the empty cassette on the other side.
The benefits of such a device are clear: The reduction of exposure to possible contagions in the specimens on the glass slides. This method is convenient for the mass review of prepared cell tissue slides, parasitic prepared slide, and histological specimens. In these cases, a special computer controlled and adapted microscope is used to study and measure cell or organism sizes, all while comparing them to a known database stored in the computer's memory.
The slide loader works on simple principles, using high-tech devices. A slide cassette is filled with the specimens needing scrutiny. This cassette is then placed in the device by either sliding or clipping it to the feeder. The feeder is actuated by sensors, telling the servo motors that pull the next slide out to activate.
After the slide moves to the observation area, or microscope stage, a camera is ready to view the contents of the slide. Software determines many morphologies of the sample, determines further review by human sight, and then a servo is switched to pull the slide into the empty cassette, usually on the opposite side of the camera/microscope stage.
Cytology laboratories use this method due to the high volume of specimens taken and submitted for review. Histology, pathology (morgue), and forensics also can utilize this mechanism. Without this novel and intelligent system, cancer laboratories, microbiological laboratories, and cytologists would be overwhelmed by samples, some that may not be viewed for many weeks.
Parasitologists screening large populated areas for specific parasites in stool or blood sample can also find this device useful. Some parasites are highly contagious and harmful, so risk is involved. Mishandling of specimens mounted on glass slides can lead to disaster for the personnel involved. A slide loader can reduce or even eliminate the risk.
The slide loader can also be used for geological specimens. Depending on the computer's programming, analytical specimens can be nearly any mineral or crystal, and visual recognition is needed for the computer to recognize items stored in the database. Clearly, the slide loader has a myriad of uses, and those in the above fields benefit from this simple yet wonderful mechanism.
by: Andrew Long
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