Polarizing microscopy is an essential technique for examining birefringent crystals like those found in medical samples, such as gout or pseudogout. Adding a polarizer and analyzer to your Olympus BX45 or BX46 microscope elevates your ability to observe these crystal structures, providing clear, detailed views that are essential for accurate diagnosis.

Here’s how you can easily add a polarizer and analyzer to your Olympus BX45 or BX46. We'll walk through the steps and provide you with the necessary parts for the installation.

Step 1: Installing the Polarizer

The first step is to install the BX45-PO Polarizer. This part is compatible with both the Olympus BX45 and BX46 models. Here's how you do it:

1. Remove the filter slider from the microscope’s light path.
2. Insert the BX45-PO polarizer into the hole and push it all the way in until it stops. The polarizer levers should extend laterally, which will place the polarizer in the "Cross-Nikol" (dark) position.

You can purchase the BX45-PO Polarizer here.

Step 2: Installing the Analyzer

Once the polarizer is in place, you’ll need to install the analyzer. There are two options to choose from: the U-GAN Gout Analyzer (Part# U-P803) and the U-P115 Analyzer. The U-GAN analyzer is often used to detect gout and pseudogout crystals, while the U-P115 is another common analyzer for general polarized light microscopy applications.

How to Install the U-GAN Gout Analyzer:

1. Remove the rubber cap from the slider inlet located on the upper part of the revolving nosepiece.
2. Insert the U-GAN analyzer into the slot, ensuring that the side with the markings faces up. Align the index markings and drop the analyzer into the dummy slider that comes with the BX45-PO.
3. The analyzer will be clamped by a magnet, ensuring it stays in place. Push the dummy slider fully into the light path.

You can purchase the U-GAN Gout Analyzer here.

If you prefer the U-P115 Analyzer, it is also available for purchase at the same link.

Watch the Installation Videos:

If you’re not sure about the process, check out the step-by-step installation videos for the Olympus BX45 or BX46:

• How to Install the Analyzer on the BX45
• How to Install the Analyzer on the BX46

Step 3: Observation Procedure

With the polarizer and analyzer in place, you can now perform your observations. Here’s how:

1. Select Brightfield on the turret (BF on the transmitted light path).
2. Engage the objective in the light path. If using a Phase contrast objective, you may notice a slight reduction in contrast.
3. Adjust the polarizer lever to achieve the darkest field (Cross-Nikol position).
4. Place your specimen on the stage and focus.
5. Adjust the field iris diaphragm to ensure it circumscribes the field of view. Use the aperture iris diaphragm to further enhance the contrast if needed.

Step 4: Using the U-GAN for Gout and Pseudogout Diagnosis

When using the U-GAN analyzer for diagnostic purposes, follow these steps:

1. Engage the 40X objective in the light path.
2. Ensure the condenser is equipped with a top lens and engage it.
3. Set the U-GAN's -plate rotation lever to the center position. Rotate the polarizer until the field becomes darkest.
4. Align the stage so that the longitudinal direction of the crystals is parallel with the axis.
5. Rotate the -plate lever to the counterclockwise position (for gout diagnosis) or the clockwise position (for pseudogout) to observe the reversal of colors for confirmation.

Conclusion

Adding a polarizer and analyzer to your Olympus BX45 or BX46 microscope significantly enhances its capabilities for observing birefringent crystals. Whether you're diagnosing gout with the U-GAN or using the U-P115 for general analysis, the process is straightforward and will expand your microscopic analysis tools.

Get your equipment today:

• BX45-PO Polarizer
• U-GAN Gout Analyzer
• U-P115 Analyzer

Add these accessories to your Olympus microscope for more precise, diagnostic-quality results every time!