As a core facility manager, providing researchers with access to advanced imaging technologies is a top priority. High-quality microscopy systems enable the detailed study of biological specimens across multiple scales and levels. In this blog post, we’ll explore why the VS200 slide scanner is a must-have for your imaging facility and how it can enhance research capabilities.

1. Versatility for Multiple Applications

Your imaging core facility supports a wide range of research needs, serving multiple groups working on diverse projects. One researcher may require fluorescence and polarization imaging for 40 slides in the morning, while another may analyze pathology slides in the afternoon.

The SLIDEVIEW™ VS200 slide scanner offers multi-modal imaging, enabling seamless transitions between brightfield, fluorescence, darkfield, phase contrast, circular and linear polarization, and speckle illumination (VS200 SILA). This flexibility reduces the need for multiple dedicated systems, helping improve equipment utilization across projects.

Are your users working with a variety of sample types and slide formats? The VS200 system’s automated tray-loading system accommodates various slide sizes and sample preparations, so your facility can efficiently meet diverse research demands—all within a single platform.

Figure 1. Top to bottom: Brightfield (BF), darkfield (DF), phase contrast, and fluorescent images (Cy3 and Cy5) of a frog skin showing glans, acquired with 20X objective. The histology slides series are standardly colored with AZAN: a multicolored staining by nuclear red for cell nuclei, connective tissue blue, ethrocytes orange, and keratinized tissue red.

2. Tailored for Facilities of All Sizes

Whether you manage a medium-sized imaging facility with 50 users or a large facility with over 100, you likely face the same challenge: researchers need high-quality images—fast—while you have limited time for extensive individual training.

Evident designed the VS200 slide scanner with this challenge in mind, incorporating an intuitive software interface that features both quick-start and expert modes, supporting a wide range of user experience levels. Frequently repeated experiments? Save and reuse scan projects across multiple users, reducing training time and minimizing the risk of errors. The mixed batch mode in the software also allows different scan projects to be easily applied to different sample types.

For advanced users, the software remains open and fully customizable, allowing precise control over imaging parameters. Additionally, automated focus and exposure adjustments help ensure consistent image quality, regardless of sample thickness or staining variations. This enhances reproducibility and enables all users—regardless of expertise—to obtain high-quality images with minimal manual intervention.

Figure 2. For repetitive workflows, the simple user interface of the VS200 system enables you to save, recall, and share your predefined acquisition setting projects, speeding up your work and helping standardize operations for reproducible results.

3. Cost-Effective and Scalable Imaging Solutions

Running an imaging core facility is a significant investment, and budget constraints require careful planning. The VS200 slide scanner offers a modular and upgradeable design, so your investment grows with your research needs.

Start with a basic system for brightfield and fluorescence imaging and expand as research evolve. The system supports seamless upgrades, including additional observation methods, advanced cameras, light sources, lasers, and an automatic loader for high-throughput imaging. This flexibility enables your facility to remain adaptable, optimizing imaging workflows while supporting a broad spectrum of scientific research.

Figure 3. A scalable and upgradeable solution, the VS200 slide scanner offers your facility “the power to see more” as researchers’ needs grow.

4. High-Throughput Imaging for Maximum Output

Reproducibility and large datasets are essential for research publication, requiring users to image and analyze tens to hundreds of slides efficiently. The VS200 slide scanner is designed to meet these demands with batch scanning and parallel processing, making it an ideal choice for high-throughput imaging facilities.

The system supports up to 35 sample trays, accommodating 210 slides for overnight scanning, maximizing efficiency and workflow continuity. Hot-swap functionality allows users to add trays while the system is running, helping ensure seamless operation without downtime. These features enable multiple research groups to run experiments simultaneously, significantly enhancing productivity.

Additionally, robotic automation in the tray loader minimizes hands-on time for facility staff and enables the system to be operated remotely. By preloading large batches, researchers can focus on data analysis while the system operates autonomously. To further streamline workflows, the VS200 supports barcode scanning, enabling automated sample tracking and data management, reducing the risk of misidentification and improving efficiency.

Figure 4. Improve throughput and efficiency with the VS200 slide scanning system.

5. Efficient Data Management and Remote Accessibility

Managing large datasets is a significant challenge in imaging core facilities, where high-resolution imaging generates vast amounts of data that must be securely stored, retrieved, and shared. The optional Net Image Server SQL (NISSQL) database solution from the VS200 system simplifies data management with:

• Direct Database Upload – Data is automatically stored in designated folders while scans are running, eliminating manual file transfers, reducing human error, and enabling a continuous workflow.
• Remote access via web viewer to whole slide images – Images stored in the NISSQL can be accessed from any platform using our OlyVIA web viewer. Researchers can securely retrieve, annotate, and share imaging data from the laboratory, office, or remotely. This accessibility helps ensure data continuity in shared facilities.

With these features, the VS200 research slide scanner supports secure data sharing, facilitates data access, and improves workflow efficiency, making it an ideal solution for multi-user imaging facilities.

Figure 5. The VS200 system offers seamless scanning to sharing: automatically upload your images to one or more databases, differentiate between users, and take advantage of offline visualization and annotation tools.

Conclusion

Our VS200 slide scanner is a versatile and advanced imaging solution designed to meet the demanding needs of imaging core facilities. With its modular design, user-friendly interface, high-throughput capabilities, automated workflows, and robust data management, it serves as an invaluable asset for any facility.

By integrating the VS200 slide scanner, core facilities can:

• Enhance imaging services
• Optimize resource utilization
• Adapt to evolving research needs
• Facilitate scientists’ workflows

Are you ready to elevate your imaging capabilities? Contact us today to learn more about how the VS200 slide scanner can benefit your facility.