Microscope Systems
How To Determine Which System Is Right For You
Which BioScan microscope should I get?
If this is your first microscope, it can be a bit bewildering. Some history helps. Forty years ago, when we pioneered phase-contrast video microscopes, we offered two models. One was based on the same kind of clinical microscope used by medical labs. The other was what is known as a Student scope. Medical schools often require students to buy their own scopes for course use. Since most students can’t afford a regular laboratory microscope, Student scopes lack the precision calibration controls found on clinical microscopes and because the main objective is to learn how to use a microscope rather than make diagnostic decisions based on what’s seen. The optics aren’t as sharp and clear either. Both types of microscopes have the same magnification range, but different resolutions. When it comes to image clarity, optical resolution is far more important than magnification.
Mix & Match
Make your own choices.
- Pick the Microscope System: (Motivational or Clinical)
- Pick your Monitor: (19”, 22“ or 24”)

Zeiss Axio Lab - with Binocular Eyepieces

Axio Lab Trinocular Video

BioScan Motivational
Lessons from History
In the 1980s, most dentists opted for the Student quality microscopes since they had the same magnification and were cheaper, especially since they were mainly interested in using them for patient motivation. Even Student scopes are terrific for patient motivation as most patients have never seen living bacteria before (especially their own), and have no idea how much sharper it would look on a clinical microscope.
Over time, some dentists started ordering additional microscopes for their other operatories because patient response had been so positive. Patients were looking forward to seeing how well they were controlling their “bugs”. Dentists liked not having to sell treatment plans anymore. Their patients could see for themselves the consequence of no treatment on the microscope. Surprisingly, when dentists ordered a second microscope, they invariably ordered clinical microscopes, which were significantly more expensive. Why? The reason was that the more they looked at the bacteria, the more they noticed that the types of bacteria patients had correlated with future changes in attachment. They wanted to start using microscopes diagnostically and treat the infections rather than the pocket.
Skip to the present.
About 90% of our customers initially choose a Clinical microscope and about half of those who don’t eventually suffer buyer’s remorse. Alas, a Student scope can’t be upgraded into a Clinical microscope. They are entirely different microscopes. So, before you decide which type of microscope to get, be very sure how you’ll be using it. If you’re only interested in patient motivation and never use commercial microbiological tests (DNA or cultures) to help decide how to treat a patient, then one of our BioScan Motivational Systems is the right choice. On the other hand, if you want to start basing treatment on the patient’s microflora or may in the future, a BioScan Clinical System is the better choice.