The Olympus U-GAN Gout Analyzer is an essential tool in clinical microscopy, commonly used to aid in the diagnosis of gout and pseudogout. This specialized analyzer is used in conjunction with polarized light microscopy, enabling pathologists and clinicians to distinguish between two types of crystals found in joint fluid: sodium urate crystals (indicative of gout) and potassium pyrophosphate crystals (indicative of pseudogout). These conditions are important to diagnose accurately, and the U-GAN analyzer helps achieve that with precision.

What is the Olympus U-GAN Gout Analyzer?

The U-GAN Gout Analyzer is designed using Olympus's UIS (Universal Infinity System) optical design, ensuring high-quality imaging and ease of use. This analyzer is typically inserted into the revolving nosepiece of Olympus microscopes, making it compatible with a variety of models like the BX41, BX43, BX45, and BX46, among others.

By attaching the U-GAN analyzer and polarizer to the microscope, the user can analyze crystalline deposits in bodily fluids—primarily focusing on the identification of urate and pyrophosphate crystals. Here's why the U-GAN is so essential:

• Accurate Gout Diagnosis: The U-GAN analyzer makes it easier to identify sodium urate crystals (which appear yellow) and potassium pyrophosphate crystals (which appear blue), essential for diagnosing gout and pseudogout, respectively.
• Polarized Light Microscopy: The analyzer works in combination with a polarizer to enhance the contrast and visibility of these crystals under the microscope.
• Ease of Use: The U-GAN analyzer is inserted into the microscope’s revolving nosepiece, and its unique design allows for quick adjustments to the light path and examination process.

How to Set Up and Use the Olympus U-GAN Gout Analyzer

To get the most accurate results when using the U-GAN Gout Analyzer, the setup process must be done carefully. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Install the U-GAN Gout Analyzer

To begin, make sure the microscope is off. The installation process is simple:

• Remove the existing slider or dummy slider from the revolving nosepiece.
• Insert the U-GAN analyzer into the nosepiece with the labeled side facing up.
• Tighten the clamping knob to secure the analyzer in place.

2. Install the Polarizer

The U-GAN analyzer requires a polarizer to work properly. If you're using a BX45 or BX46, the BX45-PO polarizer is necessary, but other models require a U-POT polarizer. This polarizer will help to orient the light path for proper crystal analysis.

• For the BX45 or BX46, purchase the BX45-PO polarizer here: BX45-PO Polarizer
• For other models like the BX41, BX43, you can use the U-POT polarizer: U-POT Polarizer

3. Perform the Gout Examination

Once the U-GAN analyzer and polarizer are installed, follow these steps:

1. Engage the 40x objective in the light path for optimal magnification.
2. If your microscope has a condenser with a top lens, ensure that it’s engaged in the light path.
3. Rotate the polarizer to the darkest position, ensuring the light path is properly oriented.
4. Align the specimen: Rotate the stage or specimen so that the longitudinal direction of the crystals is in parallel with the -axis.
5. Diagnose the crystals: If you see yellow crystals, they are sodium urate, indicating gout. If the crystals are blue, they are potassium pyrophosphate, indicating pseudogout.
6. For further examination, rotate the -plate rotation lever of the U-GAN fully counterclockwise to check the color reversal and confirm the diagnosis.

4. Switching to Brightfield Observation

If you need to switch to brightfield observation for other analysis:

• Loosen the clamping knob on the revolving nosepiece to disengage the U-GAN analyzer.
• Pull the U-GAN out to the “click” position and tighten the clamping knob.
• This will disengage the analyzer from the light path, allowing for standard brightfield microscopy.

Why Use the Olympus U-GAN Gout Analyzer?

The U-GAN Gout Analyzer is an invaluable tool in clinical settings where accurate diagnosis of gout and pseudogout is critical. Its use is essential in a variety of medical fields, including:

• Clinical Pathology: Gout is commonly diagnosed by pathologists who use polarized light microscopy to identify crystals in synovial fluid or other bodily fluids.
• Veterinary Pathology: The analyzer is also used in veterinary settings to diagnose gout in animals, particularly in cases of joint pain or swelling.
• Forensic Pathology: In some cases, forensic pathologists use the U-GAN analyzer to examine fluids in deceased individuals to help determine the cause of death.

By utilizing the U-GAN analyzer, clinicians can provide more accurate and faster diagnoses, ensuring better patient care and outcomes.

How to Purchase the Olympus U-GAN Gout Analyzer

If you're ready to add the Olympus U-GAN Gout Analyzer to your microscope setup, you can purchase it directly from Microscope Marketplace by following this link: Buy the U-GAN Gout Analyzer.

For additional support on installation or questions about the U-GAN or compatible polarizers, watch the installation videos:

• U-GAN Analyzer Installation (BX41/BX43)
• BX45 Installation
• BX46 Installation

For any further inquiries or to customize your microscope setup, please reach out to us at info@mundaymicroscope.com or call 919-775-5596.

The Olympus U-GAN Gout Analyzer is a must-have for pathologists and clinicians involved in diagnosing joint disorders like gout and pseudogout. Its advanced features, including the UIS optical design, provide unmatched clarity and precision, making it a valuable addition to any clinical microscopy toolkit.