Download Olympus introduces updated dotSlide virtual microscopy system

PRESS INFORMATION
Virtual Slide: Real Analysis
Olympus introduces updated dotSlide virtual
microscopy system
Hamburg, 02.08.2007 – Olympus has introduced the updated dotSlide
digital virtual microscopy system, which scans entire slides at high
resolution and fidelity, making them accessible and fully navigable
anywhere on the globe. The three available models (dotSlide MD,
manual version; dotSlide SL, fully automated version, with slide
loader; and dotSlide TMA, with tissue microarray module) enable
users to examine the virtual slide as if they were viewing the original
on a microscope. The dotSlide is the perfect system for all aspects of
pathology and research, meaning that users can review cases without
being near a microscope. This also enables quicker second opinions
and remote consults, as well as consistent training and discussion.
The unique technology also ensures that the dotSlide range provides
high throughput and high content capabilities for both pathology and
research applications.
dotSlide in pathology
The components of all three dotSlide systems have been carefully selected
to offer speed, precision and reliability whatever the requirements. All
dotSlide models use the advanced Olympus BX51 microscope, which
offers extraordinary optical performance. With the standard system,
dotSlide MD, slides and meta-data are loaded manually and the virtual file
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created automatically based on the users preferences. With the dotSlide
SL, slides are automatically loaded from the slide loader which holds up to
50 slides in 5 trays. The system always knows the exact position of each
slide within the trays. A robotic arm places the slides onto the stage holder
and the integrated barcode scanner ensures that any bar-coded meta-data
are automatically loaded and linked with the resultant virtual image.
dotSlide in research
As well as being fluorescence compatible, the dotSlide can be used for
tissue microarrays (TMAs) via a specific TMA model. TMAs consist of many
small tissue cores with defined diameter that are fixed on a single slide.
With TMAs, researchers have a powerful way of preparing and staining
thousands of different tissue samples under the same conditions and
analysing them at once. This has made them an increasingly important and
efficient tool for molecular biological research, pharmaceutical drug
discovery, gene expression and therapeutic antibody research. The
dotSlide TMA model facilitates the acquisition and simple analysis of tissue
microarrays. It documents each core separately, accurately recording its
slide and core reference for traceability.
dotSlide technology
The dotSlide workstation and server system are equipped for optimal
speed, security and performance and enable fully controllable remote
access. Data and associated meta-data are saved in a bespoke data
management system meaning that slides can be scanned in one location
and reviewed almost instantaneously in another, anywhere on the globe by
users either via a web browser. For more advanced functionality the
specialised OlyVia software enables pathologists to review and comment
on the virtual slide with the additional benefit of being able to add
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annotations, markers and files (including dictations), which are directly
linked to the slide. This is possible even when they are away from their
office and it also greatly improves the second opinion process, since
neither the slide, nor the virtual file need to be sent to anyone else. Also,
the software allows live discussions between any number of people,
recording the meeting notes and any additional highlighting marks. The
virtual slide file can also be exported for posting on the web.
The Peltier cooled, 1376 x 1032 pixel dotSlide camera offers exactly what
users in diagnostics, research, development and quality assurance need:
high resolution, fast frame rates and very high sensitivity with an excellent
signal-to-noise ratio, broad dynamic range and superior image quality. As a
result the camera offers images rich in detail and contrast with
extraordinary low background noise.
Please contact:
OLYMPUS LIFE AND MATERIAL SCIENCE EUROPA GMBH
Microscopy
Esther Ahrent
Department Manager Marketing Communication
Tel: +49 40 2 37 73 - 5426
Fax: +49 40 2 37 73 - 4647
E-mail: [email protected]
www.olympus-europa.com
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