Embryo microscopes are the type of microscopes normally used in animal husbandry and similar applications wherein living embryos need to be transplanted from one being to another. An embryo microscope is specifically used in horses, where an equine embryo observed, checked, and then transferred into a mare recipient.

An embryo microscope needs to follow certain specifications before it can function accordingly. For starters, embryo microscopes has to be a low power stereomicroscope with a magnification capability of around 30x to a maximum of 40x for the users to achieve favorable results. The role of an embryo microscope is crucial. And it is also a must that these microscopes are used carefully and properly all the time.

To effectively use a zoom microscope, on of the first thing to do is to mount the samples properly. There are different ways to mount a specimen, although if an embryo is going to be observed, the wet mount procedure is the method that is almost always used. And depending on the nature of the specimen and the main purpose of observation, using a dye to facilitate the viewing process may also be required. But then again, if the embryo is to be transplanted, coloring the embryo may be skipped. Instead, the use of phase contrast system, which is normally built into an embryo microscope, is used instead.

But before preparing the sample for viewing, the embryo microscope has to be correctly calibrated so that specimens can be viewed accurately. Calibrating an embryo microscope is almost the same as any stereomicroscopes. Most embryo microscopes are compound microscopes; therefore the system has to be aligned properly to ensure better specimen observation.

Aside from being a compound microscope, embryo microscopes are also equipped with a zoom optic system. The zoom optic feature is what allows the user to resize the embryo’s image. Make it a point to adjust the zoom optic setting of the microscope as necessary to attain a sharper image of the specimen.

When using embryo microscopes, also make sure that the stage is properly lighted. Illumination plays a very important in the viewing process, no matter what type of microscope is used. A good embryo microscope should be equipped with at least 150 watts of a functional light source. The choices for microscope lighting are usually halogen, incandescent, and fiber optic. Halogens produce a light that is somewhat hot. Incandescent lights, on the other hand, are not as bright as the other light sources. Fiber optic light may cost much, but they are the better choices. Fiber optic lights are usually adjustable and can provide more powerful illumination than other the lightning options most microscopes use.

If possible, get an embryo microscope that has its light source somehow far away from the embryo or the stage. This way, users will be free to alter the process temperature needed in the entire viewing process without the fear of subjecting the embryo with too much heat. Because this detail is of utmost concern when using embryo microscopes, it is then important that a heat control mechanism is built into the lighting system. Usually, a filter is installed for this purpose alone. The filter is normally placed inside the microscope’s illumination structure so that the light produced is also cool and bright. It also ensures that there would absolutely be no heat transferring to the embryo.

Once the lighting, zoom, and the specimen, are all set-up, the actual observation process can begin. Use the right objective when viewing the specimen. Choose whether a phase contrast, dark field, or bright field method should be employed. The choice as to which of these must be utilized depends upon the nature of the embryo itself.

Most of the time, viewing an embryo doesn’t happen inside the laboratory and for the benefit of the lab technician only. There are instances where in the images needs to be transmitted or fed somewhere else, like to a remote location or directly to the site where the receiving mare is kept. For this application, there would be a need to attach the embryo microscope to a computer system that is capable of live video feeds.

Make sure that the microscope is step up for this even before preparing the specimen. Double check whether or not the images viewed by the embryo microscopes are transmitted properly, and in real-time, even before starting the whole observation process. This ensures ease of operation every time.

Embryo microscopes are commonly used by veterinarians and animal husbandry experts. The proper use of these professional microscopes therefore, lies with them. But with the steps pertaining to the use of this type of microscope as indicated in here, it becomes easy for a regular student or a non-professional to actually use embryo microscopes in the right manner.