Inverted microscopes are upside down as compared to conventional microscopes. The light source is at the top (above the stage) and the objecives (lenses) are below the stage.

These microscopes are useful for thorough examination of living cells on the bottom of culture dishes. Therefore, they are used extensively in IVF labs.

The ICSI and assisted hatching micromanipulation procedures are also done on inverted microscopes. The inverted microscope is used to look very closely at the eggs or embryos.

Inverted microscope for icsi fertilization
In the center of the image is the microscope itself
On each side are micromanipulator controllers used for ICSI and assisted hatching
On the far right is our video and printing equipment

The microscope stage (where the dish containing embryos will be placed) is heated to 37 degrees C (body temperature). This maintains the optimal temperature for the eggs and/or embryos.

Using the inverted microscope for ICSI
Embryologist at work looking at embryos on the inverted microscope

The microscope has optics that provide high-resolution views of eggs and embryos:
8cell ivf embryo
High-quality 8 cell embryo
5 of the 8 cells are in the plane of focus - a sixth one is visible above the plane of focus
2 more cells are behind the plane of focus
This embryo is about 120 microns in diameter
1000 microns is a millimeter
25.4 millimeters is an inch
210 of these embryos lined up end to end would be one inch long

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Inverted microscope and ICSI and micromanipulation equipment in our IVF lab

Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization Specialist Clinic Gurnee & Crystal Lake, Illinois

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Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago
Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization Specialist Clinic
Gurnee & Crystal Lake, Illinois