Leica Microsystems has launched the SCN400 slide scanner, which is said to offer an alternative to the microscope for the examination of histological samples in pathology, research and teaching.
The Leica digital sensor lens, specially designed for high-resolution scans, ensures that the resolution and colour fidelity of the image on the screen are as good as that of the microscope image.
Using the Dynamic Focus principle, which keeps the sample in focus for the full duration of the scan, even difficult samples can be digitised with the Leica SCN400.
The Leica SCN400 is able to load and scan up to four specimens at a time.
With a scanning rate of 100 seconds per 15 x 15mm at 20x magnification, sample throughput is increased.
The matching Autoloader Leica SL801 is capable of scanning up to 384 samples at the same time, overnight if required, offering new options for automated operation.
The user can keep loading new samples or remove finished scans without interrupting the process.
Once a sample has been digitised, it can be easily retrieved, processed and made available to a defined group of users in a database.
The Leica SCN400 is said to provide a quick and inexpensive way of sending digitised samples to associates and colleagues for mutual discussion, enabling users to obtain second opinions and meet the growing quality requirements in medical diagnosis.
Besides saving time and money sending the samples, the risk of broken slides is also eliminated.
The Leica SCN400 is also claimed to open up new avenues for interactive teaching.
Students are able to watch a sample being examined in real time on the monitor.
Interesting, rare or classic case studies can be stored together with annotations for teaching purposes and retrieved by students via the internet as needed.
