Microscopy Solutions for Hematology

Hematology (alternate spelling “haematology”) is the science or study of blood, blood-forming organs and blood diseases. In clinical routine, hematologists diagnose and treat blood disorders and malignancies, including types of hemophilia, leukemia, lymphoma and sickle-cell anemia. Hematology is a branch of internal medicine that deals with the physiology, pathology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention of blood-related disorders.

Blood consists of several components, including erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), thrombocytes (platelets) and plasma. All of the aforementioned cell types are produced in the bone marrow from multipotent precursor cells in a process called hematopoiesis. Erythrocytes, which are disc-shaped and make up about 45% of whole blood, carry oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and organs while also transporting carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled. Leukocytes are the cells of the immune system that are involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders. Thrombocytes are small, colorless fragments that stick together and interact with coagulation factors to stop bleeding from blood vessel injury. Together with leukocytes, they make up less than 1% of whole blood volume. The fluid part of the blood, the plasma, is composed of 92% water and contains vital proteins, mineral salts, sugars, fats, hormones and vitamins.

Hematologists (alternate spelling “haematologists”) routinely investigate peripheral blood smears on glass slides with a microscope to find any abnormalities indicating hematological diseases or to look for blood parasites, such as those found for malaria and filariasis. The blood smear is dried, fixed to the slide with methanol, and stained to distinguish the various cell types. In hematology most staining techniques are Romanowski stains such as Wright’s stain, Giemsa stain, or a combination of both to detect erythrocyte, leukocyte or thrombocyte abnormalities. Light microscopy with a magnification of up to 1.000x is employed to recognize and count the various cell types within a monolayer and document the results with a digital camera. This way, many types of anemia as well as leukemia or the developmental stages of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum can be detected. In certain cases, the microscopic examination of peripheral blood smears is complemented with a bone marrow examination.

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Microscope Requirements

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.

Applications

Recommended Products for Hematology in Clinical Laboratory

ZEISS Axiolab 5
Axiolab 5 is made for the clinical routine work that goes on every day in your hematology lab. The white LED illumination with very high color rendering index is ideal to visualize peripheral blood smears and bone marrow samples in true color. The constant color temperature of the LED facilitates system operation and digital documentation. Combine Axiolab 5 with the microscope camera Axiocam 208 color and take full advantage of the smart microscopy concept: you'll be experiencing a completely new form of digital documentation in your daily clinical routine. Just focus your sample and press a single button for crisp images in true color. The 4k live image will look exactly like you see it through the eyepieces, with all the details and subtle color differences clearly visible. Manual camera parameter adjustments are not necessary which saves time. Discussions of critical cases with a colleague can now be done with ease using the high resolution live image.

Your Smart Microscope for Easy Digital Documentation

ZEISS Axioscope 5
Axioscope 5 with Axiocam 208 color makes documenting your hematology samples very efficient. Plan Neofluar objectives provide the necessary visualization of subtle color nuances, even for challenging samples such as bone marrow smears. The color impression in the camera image shows up exactly the same as it appears through the eyepieces. This smart microscope makes automatic adjustments for brightness and white balance to keep digital documentation tasks in your clinical routine easy. All you have to do is focus on your sample, press the ergonomic Snap button on the microscope, and that's it. To store images with the respective patient ID the camera can be integrated with laboratory information systems that support Twain.

Your Smart Microscope for Clinical Routine and Research

ZEISS Axio Imager
Axio Imager 2 is designed as your platform for an impressive amount of applications in cytology, histology, hematology, microbiology and pathology. Axio Imager 2 resolves finest details of your samples - from tissue sections in pathology to blood smears in hematology, single-cell imaging in microbiology or even multi-dyed FISH specimens. Auto-configure all motorized components with Smart Setup of the ZEN imaging software. Acquire fluorescence images with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. Use your motorized Axio Imager 2 with equipment tailored precisely to your needs - and upgrade your system easily at any time. The smart automated contrast settings let you work quickly and efficiently.

Your Upright Microscope Platform for Clinical Routine and Research