Sales FAQ

Q: Can I purchase a base brightfield system now and extend it to cover fluorescence in the future?

A: Yes. MBF systems are scalable. It is possible to purchase an affordable brightfield system now, and then extend it to cover fluorescence in the future. We design our systems to be extensible, so you can purchase only what you need now, with a clear upgrade path to add capabilities in the future. In addition to upgrades to perform fluorescence or confocal stereology, you can also add additional features such as serial section reconstruction, virtual slides, neuron tracing, and offline stereology analysis. No other system allows this flexibility. Get only what you need, and nothing that you don’t.

Q: Can I use MBF software with my existing hardware?

A: Yes. Because our team works closely with you to configure your new system, we can ensure optimal performance to help you achieve your research goals. We specifically design our software solutions to operate on a wide variety of microscopes and peripheral hardware commonly used in labs. This versatility allows you to pick the solution that best fits your needs and budget. If you have an existing microscope, camera, or motorized stage, we can often work with those components.

Q: Can I purchase a complete turn-key system from MBF?

A: Yes. We can provide you with a complete system, including a microscope, optimized for performing stereology with your particular research applications.

Q: How much does a Stereo Investigator system cost?

A: The simple answer is “it depends.” We work with a wide variety of microscope and computer hardware, which allows us to configure a system that fits your research needs and budget. We can configure highly affordable systems that are brightfield-only, using economical digital cameras and motorized stages. At the other end of the spectrum, we can configure systems that are based on state-of-the-art spinning disc technology. When you tell us what your needs are for performing stereology in your research, we let you know your options and how much they cost.

Q: Aren’t all stereology systems basically the same?

A: No. Just as all cars aren’t the same there is a vast difference in the quality, features, and support in stereology systems. It is no accident that our systems are used in more research labs than any other stereology system. If you take the time to look into the differences you will find out why we say, “An educated customer is our best customer.”

Q: I purchased a stereology system from another company, but I am disappointed in its performance. Can you help me?

A: Yes. Because of our expertise we are often approached after people purchase a competitor’s system which has not worked satisfactorily for them. If you are dissatisfied with a stereology system you purchased from another company, we will work with you to preserve your existing hardware investment when you make the switch to MBF.

Q: Do you offer true 64-bit systems?

A: Yes. We offer true 64-bit systems for Windows Vista 64. We also offer 32-bit systems for Windows XP and Windows Vista.

Q: Do you offer technical support?

A: Yes. The time you spend troubleshooting issues is time lost for research, and that’s precisely why we offer you an unmatched level of attention and dependability. Our customers constantly praise our Support Team for their comprehensive attention. Since integrating complex hardware and software requires a level of support above the standard, we staff our support team with neuroscientists and experts in microscopy, stereology, and image processing. In addition, we offer a number of support options that easily set us apart from the norm, including:

  • On-site installation and training
  • Personal phone and email support
  • Live remote assistance
  • Online tips and tutorials

Q: Can you send someone to my lab to set up the system and train us?

A: Yes. We typically include on-site installation and training in our price quotations. We spend time setting up the system and teaching you and your staff how to use it. In addition, we offer remote web-based training, allowing you to connect directly to an MBF support person who can diagnose problems and show you, on your own computer, how to use MBF software. We also offer regularly-scheduled training classes at our offices in Vermont.

Q: Am I required to buy a support subscription?

A: No. Purchasing a support and software upgrade subscription is not required. While we do advise you to take advantage of the numerous benefits that our Support Team provides, you can certainly choose to not subscribe.

Q: Am I required to buy any add-ons for my MBF system?

A: No. You should only purchase what you need. That is why we work with prospective customers individually to determine the configuration best suited for their research. We listen to you.

Q: Can I perform stereology on virtual slides using Stereo Investigator?

A: Yes. We were one of the pioneers in the field of virtual slides. Our software can not only create virtual slides, we can also analyze virtual slides created by systems from other companies.

Q: There are a lot of people who use my Stereo Investigator system night and day. Is there a way for me to increase the throughput of my system?

A: This is a frequent issue in labs and core facilities. The Stereo Investigator system becomes such an integral part of a research project that the system becomes solidly booked. Of course, you could always purchase additional systems, but sometimes that isn’t feasible. This is one of the reasons we created offline stereology, allowing you to collect the image data on the microscope and then analyze the data offline on workstations. Using offline stereology to increase your system’s throughput is a very cost-effective solution.

Q: How often do you upgrade the software?

A: Each year we typically release a new major version release of Stereo Investigator. We also provide minor releases throughout the year in response to customers’ analysis needs.

Q: Who designs MBF software?

A: Our systems are designed by our team of research scientists, experts in microscopy, microscope automation, and stereology. Additionally, we are constantly consulting the world’s leading bioscience researchers and stereology experts to make sure our products stay on the cutting edge, helping you get the most out of your system.

Q: How can I see Stereo Investigator in action?

A: We will gladly give you a free DVD with complete demonstrations of our software solutions and extension modules, and you can view demos on our website. We can also put you in contact with researchers at your institution or in your immediate area who are already using MBF systems in their lab. Please email info@mbfbioscience.com for more information.