Hamamatsu introduces a new, faster instrument for whole-slide scanning

HAMAMATSU, Japan, Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. has announced the release of the NanoZoomer-XR, the newest addition to the NanoZoomer product line for whole-slide scanning. The new NanoZoomer-XR minimizes workload and slide scanning time by automatically and continuously scanning up to 320 slides over two times faster than the NanoZoomer HT and RS scanners. It converts a 15 mm x 15 mm area on a glass slide into a 1.1-gigapixel color image in as little as 30 seconds. The scanned slides are viewed smoothly and quickly through the newly developed viewer software (NDP.view2), and easily analyzed using the IHC analysis software (NDP.analyze).

The major benefits of the NanoZoomer-XR are blur-free, hassle-free, and error-free scanning. The NanoZoomer-XR maintains a sharp focus on the entire specimen and produces sharp and clear images without any blurring, thanks to our unique Dynamic Pre-Focusing technology (patent pending). In addition, this slide scanner frees the user from time-consuming manual quality checks. It immediately evaluates the quality of a scanned image and automatically rescans a slide as needed to ensure the best image quality.

The NanoZoomer-XR offers hassle-free scanning also. Simple and easy to use, the NanoZoomer-XR delivers perfect scans at a touch of a button: users simply load the slides and click on the Start Batch button on the software program, and then the slides are automatically scanned. Other features that allow hassle-free operation include a scanning profile function that can be set up for various sample types and multiple users, and a new viewer software to smoothly, quickly, and easily view slides.

For error-free scanning, the NanoZoomer-XR optimizes scanning conditions to ensure users get the best digital images whenever they scan. This is done through the scanner's autocalibration feature that automatically and periodically conducts routine calibrations of light intensity, white balance, and shading. The NanoZoomer-XR also maintains error-free and stable scanning due to its robust mechanics and optics.

The NanoZoomer-XR can scan various types of slides including HE-stained and cytology samples. An add-on module for fluorescence scanning will be available soon. This instrument also features a true multi-Z level acquisition for improved viewing of thick specimens.

The NanoZoomer-XR will be introduced to the public at the CAP '12 meeting in San Diego, California, USA, on September 9-12, and at the 24th European Congress of Pathology (ECP 2012) in Prague, Czech Republic, on September 8-12.

For more information about the NanoZoomer-XR, please visit the company's website, http://www.hamamatsu.com.

About Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.

Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. (Japan) is a leading manufacturer of devices for the generation and measurement of infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. These devices include photodiodes, photomultiplier tubes, scientific light sources, infrared detectors, photoconductive detectors, and image sensors. The company is dedicated to the advancement of photonics through extensive research. This corporate philosophy results in state-of-the-art products which are used throughout the world in scientific, industrial, and commercial applications. 

Information furnished by Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. is believed to be reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed for possible inaccuracies or omissions. Specifications are subject to change without notice.