Microscopy Solutions for Hematology

Hematologists rely on crystal-clear images to visualize morphological details such as delicate granules, Auer rods, irregularities of the nuclear membrane or clefted nuclei. Furthermore, highest color fidelity is key when examining blood smears and bone marrow preparations. Apart from brightfield microscopy, phase contrast and polarizing microscopy techniques are also used for certain types of samples. While hematological stains result in a good transparency of the sample and specific staining of cellular features, it is the optical quality of the microscope, the fidelity of the attached camera for digital documentation, and the ergonomic design of the instrument that can make all the difference when screening patient samples.

ZEISS Microscopy provides advanced imaging solutions to support hematology researchers in studying blood cells, diseases, and related biological processes. With high-resolution imaging capabilities across light, electron, and confocal microscopy, ZEISS enables detailed visualization of cellular structures and abnormalities in conditions such as anemia, leukemia, and thrombosis. Automated workflows and software tools like ZEN streamline processes such as cell counting, size measurement, and marker expression profiling, enhancing efficiency and reproducibility. Additionally, ZEISS offers correlative microscopy to combine structural and functional data, as well as live-cell imaging for dynamic studies of processes like cell migration and division. These comprehensive solutions empower researchers to gain deeper insights into hematological samples and advance both basic research and clinical diagnostics.

When examining a peripheral blood smear, a hematologist starts with a low magnification objective, typically a 20x or 10x. The hematologist gets an overview of red and white blood cell densities, the amount of erythrocytes, its color and rough morphology and if obvious cellular inclusions are present. In higher magnification (typically 60x or 100x, sometimes 40x for bone marrow), a manual differential cell count is performed and red and white blood cell morphology including the presence of inclusions or parasites are assessed. A very good differentiation of cell types and clearly visible cellular details are absolute prerequisites in hematology. Hematologists rely on crystal-clear images to visualize morphological details such as delicate granules, Auer rods, irregularities of the nuclear membrane or clefted nuclei.

Furthermore, highest color fidelity is key when examining blood smears and bone marrow preparations. Apart from brightfield microscopy phase contrast and polarizing microscopy techniques are also used for certain types of samples. While hematological stains result in a good transparency of the sample and specific staining of cellular features, it is the optical quality of the microscope, the fidelity of the attached camera for digital documentation, and the ergonomic design of the instrument that can make all the difference when screening patient samples.