Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education

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Virtual Microscopy

Computers and digital images enables Joe Magheim, fourth-year medical student, to examine specimens in detail.

Instead of using traditional microscopes and slides, histology students at UNMC will now use virtual microscopy. Access to virtual microscopy in the Sorrell Center will be through a technology laboratory that seats 72 students with access to computers. Virtual microscopy replaces traditional microscopes with computer screens and glass slides with digital images. It allows students to view pathologic microscopic sections on computers, manipulate the degree of magnification and view different parts of the slide.

Annotations may be added to the digital virtual images that cannot be added to the glass slides. Instructors also can take control of each computer to provide instruction on specific sections directly on the students’ computer screens – something that’s impossible to do with traditional microscopic slide specimens.

Hundreds of glass slide images have been scanned and virtual/digital images created. With the click of a mouse, students can now instantaneously view and move around the slides and zoom in and out on sections -- in class or at home.