MICROSCOPY FOR THE CLINICAL LAB

Microscopy Solutions for Histology

See tissue architecture and morphology in detail.

From routine H&E to chromogenic IHC and other stained tissue preparations, histology microscopy depends on clear visualization of tissue architecture and cellular morphology. ZEISS Axiolab 5 and Axioscope 5 combine high-quality optics, efficient digital documentation, and ergonomic viewing options to support daily histology workflows.

THE histology CHALLENGE

Consistent tissue visualization starts with the slide

Histology brings together different tissue preparations, stains, magnifications, and review needs. From routine H&E to special stains and chromogenic IHC, the microscopy workflow must support clear visualization of tissue architecture and cellular morphology while fitting into the realities of daily slide review.

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    Routine H&E review

    H&E-stained sections require clear brightfield visualization of tissue architecture and cellular morphology across magnifications.

  • Special stains

    Different staining methods produce distinct colors and structural patterns that need to remain clearly visible during specimen review.

  • Chromogenic IHC

    Brightfield microscopy supports observation of chromogenic staining patterns alongside the surrounding tissue morphology.

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    From overview to detail

    Histology review moves between larger tissue structures and fine cellular detail, requiring flexibility across magnifications.

  • Repeated slide review

    Daily histology workflows can involve extended periods at the microscope and repeated examination of prepared tissue sections.

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    Image documentation

    Digital image capture supports documentation of stained tissue sections as part of routine laboratory, consultation, and teaching workflows.

FIND YOUR FIT

Two platforms, matched to your histology workflow

Start with color brightfield imaging on Axiolab 5, or step up to Axioscope 5 for premium optics, a larger field of view, and an advanced condenser system. Both platforms offer Smart Microscopy for streamlined image documentation and ergonomic configurations for extended microscope use.

MATCHED TO YOUR DISCIPLINE

See histology across stains, structures, and scales

Histology microscopy spans routine H&E, special stains, and chromogenic IHC, with each preparation highlighting different aspects of tissue architecture and cellular morphology. Explore examples of stained tissue preparations across Axiolab 5 and Axioscope 5.

YOUR WORKFLOW, YOUR SETUP

Find the histology setup that fits the way you work

From routine stained-section review to extended microscopy and digital documentation, explore the workflow need that sounds like yours and the configuration designed to support it.

Routine H&E and stained-section review

Brightfield imaging supports daily examination of H&E, special stains, and other routinely prepared tissue sections.

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Stay comfortable during extended review

Ergonomic viewing options allow the microscope to be adjusted for different users and working positions during longer microscopy sessions.

Histological section – Red: CD61. Blue: nuclear counterstaining. Objective: EC Plan-NEOFLUAR 20x/0.5, histology

See more of the specimen at a glance

A larger field of view and advanced optical components on Axioscope 5 support detailed observation of tissue architecture and cellular morphology.

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Streamline image documentation

Smart Microscopy enables image capture directly from the microscope stand with automatic imaging functions and scaling for efficient digital documentation.

STILL DECIDING?

Clinical histology— frequently asked questions

Answers to help you choose between Axiolab 5 and Axioscope 5 and find the right configuration for your histology workflow.

  • Which microscope should I choose for routine histology?

    For routine brightfield examination of stained tissue sections, Axiolab 5 provides a compact platform with Smart Microscopy for streamlined image documentation.

    Choose the Standard Ergo configuration when adjustable viewing is important for extended microscope use. For a larger field of view and expanded optical capabilities, consider Axioscope 5.

  • What is the difference between Axiolab 5 and Axioscope 5 for histology?

    Both platforms support routine brightfield histology and Smart Microscopy. Axiolab 5 is designed for efficient routine microscopy, while Axioscope 5 offers a larger field of view and expanded optical capabilities for histology workflows requiring greater flexibility.

  • What types of stained tissue preparations can I view?

    Brightfield microscopy supports routinely prepared histology specimens including H&E, special stains, and chromogenic IHC. Additional contrast and imaging techniques are available on the broader Axiolab 5 and Axioscope 5 platforms depending on system configuration.

  • How do the ergonomic configurations support histology workflows?

    Ergonomic viewing options allow users to adjust the viewing position to accommodate individual working positions during extended microscope sessions. Both Axiolab 5 and Axioscope 5 are available in ergonomic configurations within the ZEISS Histology Workflow portfolio.

    Ergonomics in practice

    Histology workflows can involve extended time at the microscope. Small adjustments to viewing height, eyepiece position, seating, and microscope controls can help support a more comfortable working position throughout the day. Watch this two-minute video for practical tips on adjusting your microscope setup for ergonomic use.

  • How does Smart Microscopy support image documentation?

    Smart Microscopy enables image capture directly from the microscope stand while automatic functions manage imaging parameters and scaling, helping streamline digital documentation during routine microscopy workflows.

    Tutorial demontrating how to use barcode scanning with Zeiss smart microscopes (Axiolab five or Axioscope five) and LabScope software for efficient sample data management. The process involves connecting an iPad or Windows PC to the microscope, configuring filename templates in LabScope, capturing images with automatic scaling information, and scanning barcodes to assign unique IDs to images. The system automatically handles multiple images from the same sample by adding counters to filenames, ensuring accurate and reliable data management for high-volume sample processing.
  • Do I need a PC to capture images?

    VERIFY!!!! Depending on the camera and system configuration, images can be captured without operating a PC, allowing routine documentation directly from the microscope setup. 

  • Can I add other imaging or contrast capabilities later?

    Axiolab 5 and Axioscope 5 are configurable microscope platforms with additional optical, contrast, and imaging options available beyond the preconfigured Histology solutions. Available options depend on the specific system configuration.

Explore the science behind microscopy in histology

Download the white paper to learn more.

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