Olympus CX22 Biological Microscope

Overview

The Olympus CX22 Biological Microscope is a robust, entry-level upright microscope engineered for routine educational, clinical, and quality control applications in life science laboratories. Built upon Olympus’ proven UIS² (Universal Infinity System) optical platform, the CX22 delivers consistent image fidelity across magnifications through its infinity-corrected plan achromat objective suite and precisely aligned Abbe condenser. Two variants are available: the CX22LED model features a 0.5 W high-efficiency white LED illumination system rated for ≥50,000 hours of operation—eliminating lamp replacement cycles and thermal drift—while the standard CX22 employs a 6 V, 20 W halogen lamp with continuous intensity control for accurate color rendering under Köhler illumination. Designed to meet ISO 10934-1 (microscope nomenclature) and conforming to IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment, the CX22 supports reproducible brightfield observation of fixed and live unstained or stained specimens—including blood smears, histological sections, microbiological cultures, and basic tissue preparations.

Key Features

• UIS² infinity-corrected optical pathway ensures minimal chromatic and spherical aberration, enabling sharp, flat-field imaging across the full 20 mm field number (F.N.) of the standard 10× widefield eyepieces.
• Dual illumination options: CX22LED integrates thermally stable LED lighting with uniform brightness and CIE daylight-equivalent color temperature (~5,500 K); CX22 utilizes regulated halogen illumination compatible with standard color filters and phase contrast accessories.
• Fixed 4-position objective turret with plan achromat objectives (4×, 10×, 40×, optional 100× oil) featuring anti-fungal coated optics and engraved parfocal spacing for seamless magnification transitions.
• Ergonomic coaxial focusing mechanism with 20 mm/revolution coarse focus travel and 2.5 µm fine focus increment—optimized for extended daily use in teaching labs and QC environments.
• Abbe condenser (N.A. 1.25) with integrated iris diaphragm and engraved aperture settings aligned to each objective’s optimal N.A., facilitating rapid setup of Köhler illumination and maximizing resolution and contrast.
• Low-profile mechanical stage (76 × 30 mm travel) with steel-wire transmission for smooth, backlash-free specimen positioning; includes spring-loaded single-slide clip and optional vernier scale compatibility.
• Hinged binocular tube with 30° inclination, 48–75 mm interpupillary adjustment, and 50 mm vertical eyepoint range (377.8–427.7 mm) accommodates users of varying stature and eyeglass wearers.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CX22 is optimized for transmitted-light brightfield microscopy of standard glass microscope slides (1 × 3 inches / 26 × 76 mm) and coverslips (No. 1.5, 0.17 mm thickness). It supports routine examination of hematology samples, Gram-stained bacteria, plant cross-sections, protozoa, and cultured mammalian cells at ≤40× magnification. With optional 100× oil immersion, it meets minimum requirements for bacterial morphology assessment per CLSI M2-A12 and ISO 13688:2013 (microbiological examination). All optical components undergo anti-fungal treatment per JIS Z 2801:2012, and the instrument complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory use. While not designed for GLP/GMP-regulated quantitative imaging, its mechanical stability and repeatable alignment support documented qualitative assessments compliant with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.2.2 (equipment verification).

Software & Data Management

The CX22 operates as a standalone optical instrument without embedded digital imaging or proprietary software. However, it is fully compatible with third-party USB/CMOS camera adapters (e.g., Olympus UC30, AmScope MU1403, or Thorlabs DCC1545M) for documentation and basic measurement workflows. When paired with validated imaging software such as Olympus cellSens Entry, ImageJ (NIH), or NIS-Elements BR (Nikon), the system supports annotation, snapshot capture, scale bar calibration (using certified stage micrometers), and export of TIFF/PNG files for report generation. No onboard data storage or audit trail functionality is provided; digital image metadata must be managed externally in accordance with institutional data governance policies.

Applications

• Undergraduate and secondary-level biology instruction: cell structure identification, mitosis staging, plant anatomy, and basic microbiology labs.
• Clinical laboratory screening: peripheral blood film review, urinalysis sediment examination, and routine Gram stain interpretation.
• Pharmaceutical QC: visual inspection of excipient homogeneity, tablet coating integrity, and raw material particulate analysis per USP .
• Agricultural extension services: soil microorganism enumeration, fungal spore morphology, and seed viability assessment.
• Industrial hygiene: airborne particle characterization on filter membranes using calibrated graticules.

FAQ

Is the CX22 suitable for fluorescence microscopy?
No—the CX22 lacks epi-illumination capability, filter cubes, and high-N.A. fluorescence objectives. It is strictly configured for transmitted brightfield observation.
Can the CX22 accommodate phase contrast or darkfield condensers?
The standard Abbe condenser is not interchangeable with specialized condensers; however, optional darkfield stops and phase contrast sliders (e.g., U-PCD2) may be inserted into the built-in iris diaphragm slot for limited contrast enhancement.
What is the warranty coverage for the CX22 outside Japan?
Olympus provides a 2-year limited hardware warranty for units distributed through authorized channels, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal laboratory use conditions.
Does the CX22LED require external heat dissipation or ventilation?
No—the LED module is passively cooled and generates negligible thermal load; no forced-air cooling or dedicated ventilation space is required.
Is the CX22 compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records?
As a non-digital, analog optical instrument, the CX22 itself falls outside the scope of 21 CFR Part 11. Compliance applies only when integrated with validated digital imaging systems and associated software workflows.