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Article ID: NSC1175 — Created: 1 Sep 2018 — Reviewed: 13 Dec 2020
uScope Navigator v4.5 adds support for multi-layer scanning (Z-stacking or image-stacking). This new scanning method requires some manual work to generate good quality images.
Image-stacking is a microscope slide scanning technique that captures multiple images of each scan field at different focus positions. The images are subsequently combined (stitched) into whole scan images of each focus plane. This allows the end-user to review the specimen at different focus positions.
Image-stacking takes significantly more time to scan and process images. Therefore, it should only be used when absolutely necessary.
Typical pathology specimens are very thin (4-8µm) and are easily scanned by a single focus layer. Each objective has a specific depth-of-field (the distance between the nearest and farthest features that are in focus without moving the objective) that is measures in microns (for low-power objectives) or sub-microns (for high-power objectives). This is why focus is more critical at objective power increases.
Thick sections (greater than 10µm thick) are likely to have important parts of the specimen that are several microns above or below each other and that, therefore, cannot all be in focus at the same time. This would be the case with insects or thick smears. These specimens are prime candidates for image-stacking.
To begin, enter a job name and select a region of interest. Then, select the Multi-Layer focus method from the Scan Configuration window.
For a successful multi-layer scan, you must know several data points:
Objective | Depth of Field | Recommended Spacing (Steps per Layer) |
---|---|---|
10x | ≈7-10µm | 35-50 |
20x | ≈1.5-3.5µm | 7-17 |
40x | ≈0.9-1.5µm | 4-8 |
60x | ≈0.8µm | 2-5 |
This table provides approximate depth-of-field and shows recommended spacing for each objective power. The indicated spacing (in steps) is conservative. You may be able to increase the spacing when scanning multiple layers.
As you can tell from the information in this table, smaller spacing and a thicker specimen both increase the number of layers and the time required to scan the region of interest.
One way to determine the depth of the specimen is to browse the region of interest, focus several fields, and record the minimum and maximum focus positions. We suggest recording the focus position at the middle and all four corners of the region of interest. Then, determine the maximum focus position (FMAX) and the minimum focus position (FMIN). You may wish to extend the minimum and maximum focus values to provide a buffer for the scan. Then, use the following formula to calculate the focus depth.
When configuring a multi-layer scan, you must enter the spacing between layers and the number of layers to scan. Use the following formula to calculate the number of layers.
When configuring the multi-layer scan, you must also select the starting position relative to the stack (top, middle or bottom). You must set the initial focus to the top, middle, or bottom of the stack selected.
Note
The region size and layer details appear in the top right corner of the uScope Control Panel screen as shown in the image above.
Once the multi-layer parameters have been entered, click the Start Scan button.
At this point, you must set the relative focus position (top, middle, or bottom) depending on what you selected for the Start Position for the multi-layer scan; set the illuminator level; and start the scan.
When scanning completes, you may create a whole scan image from the image stacks. The image to the right shows the Create Whole Scan Image dialog for a multi-layer/EDF scan.