Olympus CX31 Microscope

Sao Paulo State University
Pathology
Postdoctoral Researcher

Overall

Performance

Ease-of-Optimization

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Company:

Olympus

Product Name:

Olympus CX31

Catalog Number:

CX31RBSFA

My research focuses on the evaluation of vaginal microbiota and the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis through microscopic analysis of vaginal samples stained by the Gram method. The Olympus CX31 microscope is used to examine Gram-stained vaginal smears, allowing the assessment of bacterial morphology, Nugent score parameters, and overall vaginal microbial composition.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Performance, Range, and Accuracy

Reliable and consistent optical performance for the microscopic evaluation of Gram-stained vaginal smears. Its range of magnification, including the 100× oil-immersion objective, provides adequate resolution for identifying and characterizing bacterial morphotypes, epithelial cells, and other cellular features.

Throughput, Workflow Efficiency, and Automation

Enables efficient and timely analysis of multiple Gram-stained vaginal smears in routine laboratory workflows. Its straightforward manual operation allows rapid switching between magnification levels and microscopic fields, facilitating the systematic evaluation of a large number of samples.

Sample Integrity and Consumable Requirements

Suitable for the analysis of prepared glass slides containing Gram-stained vaginal samples and other routinely processed biological specimens. Sample integrity is maintained during microscopic examination, as the instrument provides non-destructive optical analysis. Ongoing consumable requirements are minimal, primarily involving microscope immersion oil for the 100× objective and routine cleaning materials, resulting in low operating costs.

Footprint, Facilities, and Daily Maintenance

The Olympus CX31 has a compact benchtop design and requires minimal laboratory space and infrastructure, with only a stable work surface and access to a standard electrical outlet. Daily maintenance is simple and mainly involves cleaning the objectives and stage, removing immersion oil after use, and keeping the optical components free of dust.

Connectivity, Data Output, and Software Compliance

The Olympus CX31 is a conventional optical microscope and does not include integrated digital data connectivity or dedicated software. Microscopic findings are recorded manually, while digital image acquisition can be performed through an external camera system when available.

Additional Advice

Regularly clean the lenses with isopropyl alcohol

DOI or PMID #

10.3390/microorganisms14030651

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Summary

The Good

High qualitity

The Bad

Manual operation

The Bottom Line

Reliable and easy to use for routine microscopic analysis of Gram-stained vaginal samples; highly recommended for laboratory applications.

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