The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust has fitted out its state-of-the-art pathology building with digital imaging and microscopy equipment from Nikon.
'We liaised very closely with all key pathology staff to ensure that we acquired imaging systems that met their needs in terms of efficiency, quality and future proofing for networking and telepathology applications,' said Andrew Wiles, project manager of the new hospital's development team.
'In addition, with so many samples passing through the laboratory each year, we had to ensure that the equipment offered robustness with advanced technology, cost efficiency and good service and support.
'Haematology and microbiology screening needs were met by the Eclipse 50i light and fluorescence screening microscopes combined with high-resolution DS-Fi1 digital camera heads and software for digital imaging.
'A TS100F inverted microscope and an SMZ1000 stereomicroscope completed our requirements,' he added.
Ian Cocking, chief biomedical scientist in the microbiology department at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: 'We now have a full suite of Nikon biological microscopes for all our present and future laboratory requirements.
'The SMZ1000 and 50i fluorescence microscopes are ideal for all our haematology, microbiology and parasitology investigations.
'The DS-Fi1 cameras enable us to capture images and identify and measure features of interest, and we now have the ability to store and manipulate the images as well as use them for SOPs.
'The 50i was a clear choice; in fact our biggest decision was choosing the fluorescence illumination bulb.
'From an economical, environmental and safety point of view, we eventually decided on Nikon's new long-life metal halide bulb, which is safer and has a longer bulb life of around 2,000 hours.
'We were also impressed with microscope ergonomics - the Nikon 50i screening microscopes are much better in terms of ergonomic design.
'This is a very important consideration for us - the push-down staging was a big plus and we have capitalised on this by combining the microscopes with push-down desks in certain areas.
'The microscopes and cameras are easy to use and the microscope teaching heads are good for trainees,' added Cocking.
Networked camera imaging also allows the Trust to share and discuss slides with consultants who may be at other hospitals.
