Director: Dr. Heather Drummond

COST

When should you use confocal vs. fluorescence microscopy?

* Thick tissue sections (> 5 micrometers), cells that have "height" culture (i.e. neurons, epithelial cells).

Image thru 150 + micrometers tissue with every structure in focus.

* Multiple labeling, double and triple labeling (concurrent with DIC).

* Concern about bleedthrough

*Weak staining

* Vertical sections (i.e. cultured epithelial cells)

Companies are generating new lines of fluorescent dyes that are specifically designed for lasers on confocal systems. This means better..

sensitivity (stronger signal, noise)

stability (pH, photo, temp, etc.)

selectivity (bleedthrough)