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May 2006

• Laborpraxis Online
• Leica DM Microscopes

Routine microscopy with optimum posture
The course of study at the LUMC Department of Pathology combines theoretical and practical training in medical, biomedical and biopharmaceutical fields. Lectures, practical seminars and workshops, practical computer training, and a variety of activities in other medical specialties are all part of basic studies in pathology in Leiden. Over the course of four and a half years, residents are educated in classic routine pathology. They come to understand the progression of a disease, study cancer and benign neoplasms, or study Alzheimer's disease. The future pathologists spend up to seven hours a day working at the microscope. Here, too, the LUMC lives up to its good reputation: the department provides the residents with Leica DM2000 microscopes that optimally adapt to their physical demands. The instruments are equipped with ergonomic tubes that prevent muscle tension in the neck, upper back, shoulder and back. Smit particularly appreciates the height-adjustable focus knobs of the DM2000, which adapt to any hand size without the need for additional tools. He also points out the benefit of the microscope's specimen stage, which makes the specimen easier to see by having a distinct color. The color-coded aperture diaphragms and objectives save Smit teaching time. In addition, the students no longer have to learn laborious contrast methods: it is enough to simply turn the color that matches the objective to the marking on the dial.