Who Manufactures High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM)

Optical HREM is designed and manufactured by Indigo Scientific (i-scientifc.com)

Can High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM)be adapted to new techniques,

High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) is flexible and we can help adapt the system to user requirements, get in contact with Indigo Scientific to see what we can do.

What is the difference between HREM and OHREM

HREM and OHREM are interchangeable however at Indigo we refer to OHREM as the system and HREM as the Technique. OHREM stands for Optical High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy.

Do you ship HREM globally?

Yes we ship and service High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) globally, service contracts are provided to help maintain your m

How does High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) work.

OHREM works by using a custom made microtone made by Indigo Scientific to section a sample. The sample is imaged during sectioning giving an image series often stained specifically to look at anatomy however, not limited to.

What samples can be run on High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM)?

theory it is down to the staining but already there has been great success in a variety of different specimens, we can offer interested parties imaging of there samples after following the protocol found in the members area. Get in touch to find out more.

Maximum Size Sample for High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM)

A single shot optic (no scanning) is limited to the optical limit of 30mm for the standard system. However, with changes to the configuration the OHREM can achieve success of samples of 60mm wide. Get in touch to find out more.

How many High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) samples can be imaged at once

Revision 1 OHREM systems can only image 1 block per section. OHREM 2 and an adapted OHREM 1 is capable of imaging 2 20 mm blocks or 4 10 mm blocks with the facility to expand this if required. It is worth noting a block can contain more than one sample, for example one block can contain 3 embryonic mouse hearts.

OHREM Examples

OHREM Products & Models

OHREM Applications

Ultra

Micro

High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) System

High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) is a 3D biomedical imaging technique comprising of 2D sections for structural analysis of samples.

Benefits of the HREM imaging technique:

Produces 1-8 micron complete voxel resolution over an entire volumetric dataset
Image dense tissue and bone at high contrast without variation
No sample clearing, sample clearing or interpolation
Capable of imaging up to 60mm samples

Advantages

High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) as a 3D imaging technique of ex-vivo samples gives multiple benefits over other techniques such as resolution, cost and more.

This 2D image shows a detailed cross-section of a mouse brain, scanned using High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) in the XY plane. Provides high-resolution insights crucial for neurological research and structural analysis.

Flexibility

Image a wide range of samples and density’s with Optical HREM instruments. Image varying density’s and tissue types, including plant matter, with surface based imaging.

This 3D model of a zebrafish was created using High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM), revealing the intricate internal structures with exceptional detail. The image highlights the zebrafish's anatomy, making it an invaluable tool for developmental biology.

Easy Data

Optical HREM provides straight forward images as an output with little processing. Captured in 2D stacks easily converted into 3D volume renderings.

Resolution

Output of 1-8 micron voxel resolution gives the flexibility to visualise detail unseen in other techniques and systems.

Adaptable

High-resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM) as a technique requires no sample clearing or interpolation. This opens up the floor to 3D imaging samples in detail.

What is High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy(HREM)?

High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) is a 3D imaging technique for visualising samples ranging from 1-30mm. Resin mounted samples are stained, then sectioned repeatedly with the remaining block face imaged, creating high-resolution stacks at 1–8-micron voxel resolution.

We offer two systems for performing HREM, the Micro and Ultra. As well as other products.

Embryonic mouse heart imaged using optical hrem block face imaging system.

Flexibility for a Range of Samples

High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy(HREM) delivers exceptional clarity and resolution, even when imaging denser tissues or tissues with varying opacities.

Unlike conventional techniques, eliminate the need for tissue clearing and interpolation, making the imaging process more efficient and convenient. HREM produces high-contrast results, enhancing the visualization of anatomical structures and details.

Capable of visualising samples up to 30mm in one capture or greater with scanning
Suitable for bone and denser tissue samples
High contrast images even in higher density areas

This image showcases the detailed 3D morphology of agricultural samples, such as barley, captured using High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM). HREM provides precise, high-resolution imaging of plant structures, enabling in-depth analysis of cellular and tissue-level morphology critical for agricultural research and crop development.

View HREM Applications

High Resolution for All Tissue and Sample Types

This 2D image displays a section of a mouse embryo captured using High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM). A zoomed-in portion highlights individual cells, showcasing the high level of detail and clarity provided by HREM for cellular-level analysis in developmental biology.

Biomedical imaging techniques have evolved significantly, with HREM standing out for its ability to deliver precise 3D tissue images. High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) offers a variety of resolutions with scanning stages and a choice of optics. It can capture single shots or high-resolution scans at 100x magnification with blending, no blocking.

With sections as thin as 1 µm, from our speciality section system, HREM achieves voxel resolutions of 1-8 µm³, enabling the identification of fine details like individual nerves and blood vessels, surpassing other techniques.

1-8 micron voxel size resolution
100x magnification
XY scanning stage integrated into the software available for larger samples

Easy Data with HREM

This image features a 2D section of a mouse embryo alongside a 3D reconstruction, both captured using High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM).

The use of 3D imaging in medical research is growing rapidly, with HREM providing accurate and detailed views of tissue samples. High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) data is readily applicable for both 2D and 3D analysis. Simple software packages like Fiji and Dragonfly can be used to generate impressive images by inverting the LUT (Lookup Table).

HREM images can be manually or automatically segmented in the user-friendly 2-D image format, enabling precise measurements.

Data is stored as image files for easy manipulation (jpeg,tif and more)
Stored image sizes for easy workflow
No custom image analysis software required

Applications for HREM

High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy(HREM) is used in the study of:

Mouse organs (such as brains and hearts)
Whole Mouse and Zebrafish embryos
Plant matter
Drosophila
and much more

As the field of HREM continues to expand, new research papers emerge each year, showcasing the potential in different applications.

Integrate into your research, gaining a valuable tool in your workflow. Explore the accomplishments of our satisfied HREM customers by delving into their published papers.

This high-resolution image captures the intricate anatomical structure of a mouse heart using High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM). The clear visualization of the heart’s chambers, vessels, and tissue architecture provides detailed insights into its morphology, making it a valuable tool for studying cardiovascular development and function.

View HREM Examples

How does the Optical HREM system work?

High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy(HREM) is a unique imaging technique that enables three-dimensional visualization of various samples in 2D image sections.

Optical HREM systems consists of a precise, custom-made microtome capable of consistently sectioning samples, embedded in resin, in sections ranging from 1 to 10 microns. At each pass, the block-face is imaged, and by combining these two-dimensional images, volumetric data is generated to construct a comprehensive three-dimensional stack.

The instruments accommodate samples up 30mm along the Z-axis and even larger dimensions along the X and Y axes (upon request). The samples can range from millimetres to the full extent of 30mm. OHREM can capture high-resolution, clear images regardless of the tissue type or the developmental stage, even when dealing with opaque or translucent tissues.

View our tutorial and guide here.

Optical High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy Models

We offer two Optical HREM instruments designed for 3D imaging of samples with the highest quality and flexibility for users.

Optical HREM Micro

The Micro is a simple, compact Optical HREM system designed for smaller user groups and demand. Ideal for individual labs or users wanting to try HREM samples.

Single sample capture up to 25mm FOV.
20 Megapixel image output (varying on application).
One standard HREM channel.
Smaller frame, no adjustable XY (manual or automatic).

View HREM Micro

Optical HREM Ultra

Ultra systems showcase the Optical HREM systems designed for the more demanding of images, featuring varying addons to increase resolution and productivity.

Sample holder with up to 4 blocks at once (more for smaller blocks upon request).
Up to 8 light channels (multiple filters etc).
A scanning stage for easier mobility and scanning of samples.
Larger frame for all of the addons and features.

Optical HREM Ultra 3D Block Face Imaging System

View HREM Ultra

HREM Consumables and Accessories

Consumables for Optical HREM Imaging for sample production.

High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) Ultra

Resin Chuck for Mounted Samples

HREM Chucks for resin samples up to 25mm. Contact for more information or a quote.

More Information

Split Mould for Embedded Samples

Heat resistant moulds designed to withstand high thermal reactions for HREM samples. Splits in half allowing for taller blocks to be made.

More Information

HREM Imaging Systems produce simple datasets that can be used in almost any 3D packages such as Dragonfly or even ImageJ/Fiji. Here at Indigo we make some packages to help use the machine as well as manage some datasets specially designed for block face imaging/HREM.

OHREM Acquire

OHREM Acquire is the custom software specially designed for HREM imaging, this software has been streamlined to help users achieve all levels of features without complexity. Acquire was designed in house by our software engineers to meet the needs of the users.

Acquire reduces excessive time delays by optimizing transitions, for example combining filter movement operations and XY movement operations to reduce experiment times.

Manual control of the Indigo Scientific instruments can be achieved with acquire, allowing you to complete standard operations without extra equipment.

Acquire features a bespoke stitching algorithm for HREM images allowing perfectly Z aligned images, with blending. This is done without blocking and long and repetitive calculations. The output are amazing 2D images ready for use in any existing 3D software package such as Dragonfly or Fiji.

At Indigo Scientific we believe in giving software for the length of the time of the machine. With no rolling licenses but optional upgrades and updates included in service contract. Along with this we will listen and put in custom features from all user requests.

OHREM Utilities

OHREM Utilities is a free windows application available to all for simple processing and visualisation of HREM datasets. This application allows users to batch process datasets easily.

In built stitching, with an auto stitcher for smaller mosaics and a custom stitcher for larger datasets with unique blending and alignment for block face imaging. With tools for stacks such as alignment and merging of separate stacks.

Simple image pipeline editor for stacks with CLAHE, LUT inversion and basic thresholding for segmentation.

Free HREM Software for Download

Find HREM software created by us for free download.

3D Volume Viewer for HREM Volumes

We offer a free 3D volume rendering software for HREM images but will of course work on any volume stack.

The viewer can view all samples from HREM such as hearts, full embryos and more. With the option to resize datasets, add contrast and more.

Features will be added but this utility will allow users to share and show datasets easily.

3D Volume Viewer for Optical HREM Image Stacks

View 3D Viewer

Testimonials

"HREM data has allowed the DMDD team to identify nearly 400 different phenotypes in knockout mouse embryos. These range from large-scale organ malformations to the abnormal development of nerves and blood vessels."

Tim Mohan
(DMDD)

Product Options

View product options for HREM 3D imaging system such as:

Micro Optical HREM system for lower budget high quality 3Ds up to 25mm.
Ultra Optical HREM systems designed for a range of images
Consumables for HREM

Product Page

Contact our High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) Experts

Want to know more about HREM, ask for a quote or get questions answered. Contact us and we can help answer all your questions.

Phone:
+44(0) 1462633500

Email:
hello@indigo-scientific.co.uk