The Use of Immersion Oil in Parasitology Light Microscopic Examination

Abstract

Aims: to briefly review the history of application of immersion oil and specifically in some Parasitology Microscopic examination. Discussion: One way of increasing the optical resolving power of the microscope is to use immersion liquids between the front lens of the objective and the cover slip. The application of immersion oil in microscopic examination began in the mid-17th century. The principle of immersion oil in microscopic examination is to improve the resolution and clarity of the image by reducing the refractive index mismatch between the specimen and the objective lens. In the context of micro-sized parasitic agent, adding this oil will greatly enhanced visualization and in turn will have a direct impact on improving the characteristic morphological image/appearance, thereby enabling observers to optimize microscopic assessment for parasitological examination. Protozoan parasites such as Plasmodium spp, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Microsporidia spp., Trichomonas vaginalis, Toxoplasma spp, Trypanosoma spp, Babesia spp, Leishmania spp, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Blastocystis hominis are some examples of parasitic organisms that should be viewed at great magnification to see detailed morphology; and for that it means you need to add immersion oil. Conclusion: The addition of immersion oil in Paarasitology microscopic examination is surely improve optical resolution and clarity of the image and positively support Parasitologist to make correct diagnosis.