Pathologists often prefer the 1.25x and 2x objective lenses in microscopy due to specific advantages they offer in their diagnostic work. Here are the reasons why these objectives are favored:
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Large Field of View: Both the 1.25x and 2x objectives have a larger field of view compared to higher magnification objectives. A larger field of view allows pathologists to view a broader area of the specimen at once, providing better context and orientation, which is crucial for examining tissues and identifying abnormalities.
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Rapid Scanning and Navigation: When dealing with whole slide images or large tissue sections, lower magnification objectives facilitate quicker scanning and navigation across the slide. This efficiency is particularly valuable in pathology, where pathologists often need to assess large tissue sections to make accurate diagnoses.
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Maintaining Tissue Integrity: Higher magnification objectives can require multiple fields of view to examine an entire tissue section, leading to more stitching and alignment of images. This process can introduce errors and make it more challenging to maintain the integrity of the tissue representation. With 1.25x and 2x objectives, fewer fields of view are needed to cover larger areas, reducing the need for stitching.
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Simplified Overview: In some cases, pathologists may need a quick overview of the whole slide before diving into detailed examination. The 1.25x and 2x objectives provide this overview efficiently.
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Reduced Risk of Missing Abnormalities: When starting with lower magnifications, pathologists are less likely to miss significant features or abnormalities present in the tissue. This precaution helps avoid oversight and ensures comprehensive evaluation.
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Digital Pathology Applications: In digital pathology, where whole slide imaging is used, the 1.25x and 2x objectives are especially helpful. They allow pathologists to scan through large slides efficiently and navigate the digital images with ease.
It's important to note that while the 1.25x and 2x objectives are valuable for specific tasks, higher magnification objectives (e.g., 10x, 20x, 40x, etc.) are also crucial for detailed examination of cellular structures and finer pathology assessment.
Overall, the preference for 1.25x and 2x objectives in pathology is based on their ability to provide a wider field of view, efficient scanning, and effective overview, which are essential for accurate and efficient diagnostic work in this field.