Microscopes for Veterinary Clinics - What to buy and what NOT to buy.
Many microscopes marketed to veterinary clinics are done so with the intent of providing an inexpensive up front cost. This can provide a false sense of economy as mass produced branded microscopes found on the internet lack the quality control employed by such microscope companies as Nikon, Olympus, or Leica. That quality control is needed to ensure that the mechanical construction and optics hold up to the rigors and demands of the everyday veterinary laboratory. Optical quality can vary across the industry from these Chinese made microscopes. For that reason, we recommend you consider investing in a microscope from one of the big three microscope manufacturers; Nikon, Olympus or Leica. While the price point will be higher up front, the long term investment will pay off for clinics who expect to be in business for many years. The high quality of the optics and mechanics of such a microscope allows it to be used effectively and efficiently in a multitude of laboratory tests which can add to the revenue stream of the veterinary clinic.
Most veterinary clinics preform simple in-house urinalysis and ectoparasite examinations. However the following tests (listed below) can be preformed in-house to provide real time diagnosis and treatment planning for the patient/customer while adding to the clinics overall revenue stream. To complete these tests, you will want to make sure your microscope has not only high quality mechanics and optics, but accurate optical components for consistent specimen reads. The microscope should be serviced by a qualified microscope service company on a yearly basis to keep the optical path clean and calibrated.
Urinalysis - Examination for crystals suggestive of calculi. Examination of stained samples of sediment for bacteria, inflammation or neoplasia.
Parisitology - Examination of coat brushings for flea feces. Examination of skin scrapings for ectoparasites or dermatophyte fungi. Examination of fecal samples for nematode eggs
Microbiology - Examination of exudates for bacteria. Examination of skin samples for bacteria, yeasts or dermatophytes. Identification of bacteria or fungi from culture plates.
Cytology - Examination of fine needle aspirate samples or direct impression smears for inflammatory or neoplastic cells, usually using rapid Romanowsky stains
Below are three high quality microscopes that work well for high volume veterinary laboratories.
The use of cameras are increasing in the DVM space. Microscopy cameras allow for the capturing of digital images and recording of digital movies. Those digital images can be added to reports for case documentation where animal welfare and/or litigation may be in play. They can also be shared for consultation between colleagues. Digital images can be projected on an HD screen for education.
