Digital microscope touted for lab technicians

Dazor has introduced the SpeckFinder HD microscope, touting the benefits of its ergonomic design for dental laboratory workers.

"Due to the hours that dental laboratory workers spend over microscopes straining their bodies and eyes, physical discomfort was reported by 80% of microscope technicians," said Allison Walton of Dazor in an e-mail. The new microscope "features an innovative design that puts less stress on the worker for optimal productivity and results, as well as provides high definition, state-of-the-art images."

The advantage of the microscope is a floating arm that moves to the user, Walton said. The microscope can also save and output images in multiple digital formats, supplying offices with lasting documentation that can easily be stored into patient record management software.

The SpeckFinder HD differs from most digital microscopes, according to a Dazor press release. While most are connected to a camera and computer, the SpeckFinder HD incorporates the microscope, camera, and computer monitor into one piece of equipment with no extra cords and no need for an external computer, as the unit has a Windows XP operating system built into it. The SpeckFinder has three USB outputs and a video output, allowing users to output files to a flash drive or project live images to an overhead screen.

The centerpiece of the SpeckFinder HD is its full color display, which features wide viewing angles -- more than 160 degrees horizontally and vertically -- allowing multiple users to view at once, according to the company. In addition, the SpeckFinder monitor can be moved via its articulating arm when not being used.