New Microscopy Technology Showcased at Medica

It’s the world according to Apple—the iPad (now even the iPad Mini), iPod, iPhone. Tablets and touch-screen technology are everywhere. The same technology is making its way into healthcare circles too, in a big way—particularly in diagnostics and monitoring.

During this year’s installment of the annual Medica trade fair in Dusseldorf, Germany, Danish company Tagarno introduced what company officials are calling “the iPad of microscopy,” a new type of microscope and a “new direction” in the world of microscopy.”

“The system, called Tagarno AIR, merges features like optical and digital magnification, autofocus, HD (high-definition) quality image rendition, ergonomic know how and easy documentation in one integrated and easy to use unit,” said Rikke Thea Fabricius-Rømer, regional export manager at Tagarno. “This is unique on the microscope market today.”

Tagarno AIR displays what is placed under the camera as a live HD image at 60 frames per second, allowing the image to be reproduced without any delay, according to the company. It also includes autofocus as a standard feature, allowing instant image sharpness at any magnification level. Depending on which lens the operator is using, the system can magnify from 6 to 500 times on a 22-inch monitor, providing the operator with a field of vision down to one millimeter. The working height between the lens and table is never less than 33.5 millimeters at maximum magnification with a +50 lens.

In addition, the system has been designed for intuitive use following a “plug and play principle.”

“We have worked intensively with the idea ‘iPad of microscopy.’ In other words, a magnification system that feature- and magnification-wise lies somewhere between a camera solution and a traditional microscope, and which is as user-friendly and flexible as an iPad,” explained Fabricius-Rømer.

All the main functions of Tagarno AIR, such as zoom, focus and PC-connectivity can be accessed by a single click on the controller. In addition, Tagarno AIR features two integrated and accessible sources of light, direct light and backlight.

Tagarno AIR was designed in cooperation with Danish ergonomics specialists.

The new technoogy can be viewed in Hall 10 at booth D78 at Medica from Nov. 14-17.

Tagarno has more than 40 years of experience developing camera and magnification solutions for several industries, including electronic inspection, education, low vision, and medical. The company has distributors in 45 countries.