QBC Paralens™ Advance System

Upgrade your light microscope into an LED fluorescent microscope at a fraction of the cost - use in the same way as a traditional fluorescent microscope

Combine with our QBC Malaria Tubes or QBC F.A.S.T. AFB Smear Kits for detection of Malaria, TB, Trypanosomes and other blood-borne parasites using fluorescence microscopy

The QBC ParaLens Advance fluorescent microscope attachment is a cutting-edge attachment designed to provide the many benefits of LED fluorescence microscopy to any light microscope. LED fluorescence microscopy offers improved detection of many infectious diseases, and has been recommended by the World Health Organisation for use in Tuberculosis screening. The patent-pending design of the QBC ParaLens Advance offers features unmatched by competing fluorescence microscopy products, including:

• The ability to upgrade any light microscope
• A durable, bright LED light source
• Multiple convenient power options

Features of the QBC ParaLens Advance System:

Converts any conventional laboratory microscope into a low cost fluorescent microscope Low cost alternative to purchasing a traditional fluorescent microscope Can be used in the same way as any traditional fluorescent microscope Simply attach the QBC ParaLens Advance to the objective position of your existing light microscope Ideal for performing any fluorescent microscopy techniques in the field   The QBC ParaLens Advance can also: Accurately identify species - including filaria in blood (using the QBC Malaria Tube) Detect Malaria, TB, Trypanosomes and other blood-borne parasites Quantify the level of parasitaemia Perform tests for: Chlamydia, ANA, PCP, CMV: Acid-fast bacili in sputum, urine Quick cell count with two part differential count Platelet counts for monitoring dengue patients Identifies the need for, and the most appropriate treatment Can be used in the laboratory or the field

The QBC ParaLens Advance is simple to use and requires no daily cleaning.  It is also sturdy with no liquid handling or moving parts.

Can be used with the QBC Malaria Kits and QBC F.A.S.T. TB Products

The cutaway diagram above demonstrates the patent-pending technology behind the QBC ParaLens Advance fluorescent microscope attachment. Standard RMS Threading (1) is used to easily attach the QBC ParaLens Advance main body to any compound light microscope as an objective (Note: Adapter rings are available for non-standard sizes). All filters are contained in a detachable filter set arm (2) that can be removed to easily switch between objectives.

The QBC ParaLens Advance utilises epifluorescence microscopy, meaning that the light is transmitted from above the sample, rather than passing through from below. The ParaLens Advance's light comes from its LED light source, which attaches to the distal end of the filter set arm (3), producing blue light with a 410-511 nm wavelength.

After passing through the focusing lens (4), light in the filter set arm then passes through an excitation filter (5) that only allows light in the 385-480 nm range to pass into the main chamber. A dichroic beam splitter (6) directs blue light toward the sample, where it will excite any substances that have absorbed fluorescent stain.

The emitted light from the sample is focused by powerful objective lenses (7) as it travels back toward the viewer. The emitted light now has a longer wavelength than blue light, which allows it to pass through the dichroic mirror. An emission filter (8) is present to reduce background noise and optimise the signal for viewing.

What do I need to get started?

For a low cost fluorescent microscope:
	Light microscope (we recommend the Vision V5000)
	QBC ParaLens Advance Complete System With a choice of objectives: 10x 20x 40x 60x 100x
	QBC Portability Pack (optional but ideal if performing fluorescence microscopy analysis in the field)*
To also test blood borne parasites or TB:
	Malaria Test Kits (sold in boxes of 100 or 2,000) OR F.A.S.T. TB Kits (click here for further information)
	QBC Centrifuge (to spin QBC Malaria tubes only)

 * The QBC Portability Pack includes a solar panel for cordless operation of the QBC ParaLens (ideal if using the ParaLens in the field) and 12 V battery clip to lighter adapter.

QBC Paralens Advance Products:

Download the QBC Complete Product Description List here

QBC ParaLens System: Documents

Please click here to view more detailed information and available documents

Download the QBC ParaLens Advance manual below:

ParaLens Advance Manual - English

ParaLens Advance Manual - French

ParaLens Advance Manual - Spanish

ParaLens Advance Manual - German

ParaLens Advance Manual - Italian

Articles to download

Gallagher, J. (2008) Screening for Malaria: The QBC Technique. CLI Magazine, September 2008

Armstrong, D. (2009) LED-based fluoroscopy and the ParaLens System: illuminating the future of TB Diagnostics. CLI Magazine, December 2009/January 2010