With the use of innovative clinical procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI), assisted reproductive technology (ART) has undertaken noteworthy growth over the past two decades. One technical field that embodies an indispensable requirement for such procedures is microscopy.

Microscopy permits the visualization of gametes and embryos in a satisfactory manner, allowing the evaluation of significant clinical parameters (ie embryo morphokinetics) and techniques like micromanipulation (in the case of ICSI) by not compromising the viability of the specimen. Through the years, clinical microscopy has been necessary to the understanding of sexual reproduction principles specifically on the roles of sperm cells and egg cells prior, throughout, and following the fusion of gametes.

What to look for when choosing a microscope:

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 WorkstationsMAW 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.

Different types of microscopes used for various IVF applications:

  • 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.

The Esco Medical Stereomicroscope

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.

The Esco Medical Stereomicroscope

Key Features

  • 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.

Troubleshooting your stereomicroscope:

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.

PROBLEM

OPTICAL SYSTEM CAUSE

REMEDY

1) Brightness is too bright or too dark

Brightness is not well adjusted

Make right adjustment

2) Dirt appears in the field of view

Dirt on the specimen

Clean the specimen

Dirt on the surface of eyepiece

Clean the surface

Dirt on the surface of the objective

Clean the objective

Dirt on the working stage

Clean the working stage

3) Double image

Interpupillary distance is not correct

Readjust it

Diopter adjustment is not correct

Readjust it

Magnification of each eyepiece is not the same size

Mount the same size eyepiece

4) Image is not clear

Dirt on the surface of the objective

Clean the objective

5) Image is not clear while the changing focus

Diopter adjustment is not correct

Readjust the diopter

Focus is not correct

Readjust the focus

6) The image on the monitor is not clear when the focusing knob is turned

The focus of video is not correct

Readjust the focus of video

CIRCUIT SYSTEM

1) Bulb does not work when the switch is on

The bulb is not inserted correctly

Insert it correctly

Bulb is wrong

Replace bulb

Fuse is broken

Replace fuse

There is something obstructing the light

Clean the work stage

2)Bulb is burned out suddenly

The voltage is too high

Use voltage regulator

Used the wrong bulb

Replace with correct one

3) Fuse is always burned out

The voltage is too high

Use voltage regulator

4) The bulb flickers or the brightness is unstable

The bulb will burn out soon

Replace with a new one

The bulb was not inserted correctly

Insert bulb correctly

Esco supplies all common microscope brands and models. However, microscopes already in use and microscopes purchased separate can be installed onto Esco IVF Workstations.

If you have an existing microscope or preferred model, please contact Esco and provide us with details. If you do not have a preferred make/model, Esco has a partnership with Nikon Japan, and will work with you to select an appropriate Nikon model to meet your requirements.