Microscope Slide Aids TB Visualization and Review

A high-grade tuberculosis glass microscope slide is printed with a crosshair-styled smear guide.

The guide contains a dye that fluoresces under the same light wavelengths that excite Auramine stains, which are used to stain tuberculosis acid-fast bacilli (AFB) for review with fluorescence microscopes. The dye allows the guide to remain visible during the review process, providing users with visual confirmation that samples remain in focus throughout review.


The SureFocus microscope slide released by QBC Diagnostics (Port Matilda, PA, USA) represents a breakthrough in the detection of tuberculosis bacteria. It also provides landmarks for a review path that, when followed, meets World Health Organization (WHO; Geneva Switzerland) requirements for total fields viewed during sample grading.

The slides are available individually in boxes of 432 slides, or as part of QBC's line of fluorescence and staining technologies (F.A.S.T.) AFB Smear Kits.

Craig Stout, QBC Diagnostics general manager and vice president, said, "Users of the SureFocus Slide will experience added confidence, knowing that they are reviewing TB samples properly. We believe that this slide will be a tremendous help to both those just learning to use fluorescence microscopy for AFB detection, as well as those with years of experience."

QBC Diagnostics manufactures a line of complete blood count analyzers and fluorescence microscopy products.

Related Links:
QBC Diagnostics
World Health Organization