Easy Guide to How to Buy a Perfect Microscope for Medical Uses

Choosing the right microscope for your studies may be challenging as various models are on the market. Medwish.com supplies microscopes in bulk at wholesale rates.

Cells and microorganisms are minute and thus invisible to the naked eyes. So, how do researchers and scientists go about their work? This is achieved with an optical instrument with specialized lenses called the microscope.

Choosing the right microscope for your labs and research centers may be challenging as various models are on the market. However, worry not! This guide will provide you with factors to make the best purchase decision. Also, you'll learn about the types, applications, and where to buy microscopes in bulk at wholesale prices.

What is a Microscope? 

The microscope is an instrument used to magnify objects, or their details, which you cannot see with the naked eye. Since its inception, the microscope has developed many sciences, starting with biomedical ones.

The discovery and use of the microscope allowed the initiation of a related discipline, microscopy. This discipline is essential for advancing many sciences, starting with the biological, medical, and pharmacological ones. Interestingly, the microscope made it possible to analyze the cells and tissues of the human body, explore the world of microorganisms, bacteria, and viruses, and verify the action developed against these by drugs.

The most important parameters that characterize a microscope are magnification and resolution, that is, the ability to distinguish the details of the sample under examination.

Major components include the ocular lens, stage, stage clip, aperture, objective lens, diaphragm, condenser, light source, fine and coarse adjustments, arm, and base.

The application and importance of the microscope

The microscope is generally applied in scientific research, including pathology, botany, biological studies, nanotechnology, forensics, etc. 

The discipline of microscopy and the use of the microscope in science has shed light on the theoretical aspects of various studies. The microscope has helped verify the existence of minute life forms like bacteria, viruses, blood cells, etc., that are invisible to the naked eyes. As a result, it has helped debunk various mythical theories about diseases.

Types of microscopes and their differences

There are numerous models of a microscope, but the primary types are the optical and electron microscope.

Optical microscope

The optical microscope is the earliest and most common type of microscope which uses visible light to magnify samples. The optical microscope comprises a system of lenses, possibly even one, with a sample of material placed in the focus of the optical system. There are two types of optical microscopes; simple and compound.

The simple optical microscope is a single convex lens placed in the amount that includes a stage to place the sample. As a result, this model has a lower magnification. The simple optical microscope differs slightly from ordinary magnifying glass.

On the other hand, the compound optical microscope consists of multiple lens systems with different characteristics and focal lengths. The simplest compound microscope consists of a short focal lens, the objective, and a second, the eyepiece.

Electron microscope

In a bid to overcome the limitations of optical microscopes, tools have been developed over the years that exploit the basic knowledge obtained from nuclear physics and the great advances in electronics. This led to the development of electron microscopes. 

The electron microscopes use an electron beam is instead of light to 'illuminate' the sample to be examined. This allows for obtaining much higher magnifications as the magnification is related to the radiation wavelength that affects the sample.

The major types of electron microscopes are the scanning, transmission, and reflection electron microscope. 

Factors to consider before purchasing the right microscope

The total magnification of the microscope

The microscope's magnification defines its quality and the type of samples that can be observed. The ideal is to have a revolver, which allows you to change objectives and have the versatility of observation necessary for different occasions. 

The objective ocular lenses determine the total magnification of a microscope. Therefore, it is necessary to know the magnification of the two parts of the microscope to know the total level obtained. The microscope's total magnification is the product of that of the objective and the eyepiece.

The microscopic observation technique

There are different microscopic observation techniques to examine your samples depending on the intensity of your studies. These techniques range from darkfield to brightfield, differential interference contrast, polarization, phase contrast, etc. Generally, the object you wish to examine determines your observation preference.

The microscope configuration

The microscope configuration determines the quality of the image. However, quality is determined by the eyepiece and the objective. Although, the latter is the most important since it is the component that provides most of the zoom in the microscope. 

Therefore, ensure the objectives are achromatic so you can correct any visual imperfections of the lenses.

In the range of objectives, in addition to the achromatic, there are also other types, depending on your budget. There are flat or semi-planes, which are less expensive but still with a higher correction level than achromatic ones.

The number of eyepieces

You may also consider the number of eyepieces when choosing a microscope with convenience in mind. Based on this, there are monocular, binocular, and trinocular microscopes. Monocular models are the simplest and cheapest, having a single eyepiece; thus, you can only view with one eye. However, a monocular microscope may cause eye strain upon long-term use, although you can opt for this model if your budget is low or you’re an occasional user. 

On the other hand, a binocular microscope is more expensive, although more convenient to use as it has two eyepieces. Thus, you can view objects with both eyes providing a better view. 

As the name suggests, trinocular microscopes have three eyepieces; two for examing the samples and the third eyepiece, which you can connect to a camera. These models are the most expensive.

The type of lighting

There are four different types of lighting to be used according to specific needs. These are tungsten, fluorescent, LED, and halogen. The latter two offer greater brightness and quality. As this is white light, the heat has no impact on the sample, and they are suitable for use for more delicate analysis. 

The type of fluorescent lighting is another completely harmless mode. On the other hand, tungsten contains yellow light and is recommended for use on samples that are not affected by heat. Ensure you consider these lighting factors before buying a microscope, whether you need it even for a more delicate analysis or not.

Price

Price is an essential factor when choosing a microscope as you will be working with a budget. Generally, monocular microscopes are the cheapest and are usually applied in less intense studies, while advanced models are more expensive. However, regardless of the price, ensure you opt for a quality product that suits your research goal.

Warranty 

After selecting your preferred microscope with the best price, remember to check for a warranty. Aside from saving you the cost of repair and maintenance, the warranty also offers a level of user experience. With this in mind, ensure you purchase from a reputable brand or vendor. Although products from such brands rarely get faulty, they come with a quality warranty. 

Some of the top brands in the microscope market include Leica, National Optical, Nikon, Labomed, Olympus, Fein optic, Zeiss, among others.

Microscope price guide

There are numerous models and brands of microscopes on the market with different prices. Some are listed below:

• The XSP-102 Biological Microscope costs about $200.
• The KJ5D Slit Lamp Microscope costs about $6,000.
• The DG2018 Biological Microscope costs about $500.
• The National Optical 168 Binocular Microscope costs about $785.
• The Leica DM300 LED Binocular Microscope costs about $1,305.
• The Leica EZ4 Stereo Microscope 8x - 35x costs about $920. 

You can purchase your microscopes from Medwish.com in bulk at wholesale prices. Interestingly, you enjoy these wholesale rates with other medical equipment and furniture. 

Also, every product from Medwish.com comes with insurance coverage to cater to potential losses, especially during shipping. In addition, regular customers enjoy certain loyalty benefits from the Medwish.com team.

Where to buy microscope in bulk with wholesale pricing

Medwish.com is a reliable online platform to purchase various microscope models. Medwish.com deals in bulk supplies of microscopes and other medical appliances and furniture. These supplies are made for private laboratories, hospitals, and international agents. 

Also, the Medwish.com team collaborates with reputable custom clearance, logistics, insurance, and other essential service providers. Therefore, your products are delivered via secure supply chain channels.

Conclusion

The microscope remains a vital tool across various sectors of life, including education, medical, forensics, etc. Thanks to the microscope, numerous theories are now becoming realities. When you get stuck on how to choose the right microscope, consider factors like the light source, magnification, price, eyepiece, warranty, etc.

Contact Medwish.com today for your microscopes and other medical supplies.