An Easy Method to Make a Microscale

To measure microblood vessels and lymphatic vessel microscales are essential. It can also be used in experimental studies and academic purposes. New microsurgical instruments can be produced with the emergence of new technologies to fabricate and mass-produce microtools and micromachines.[1] Microscales can be produced in many variable designs.[1] However, mass production, and research and development strategies bring high costs to the users. These high-technology products cannot be found in all countries, and delivery might be an issue to users when these instruments are urgently required. Besides, they have wide usage areas in experimental studies.

To solve cost and delivery problems, we produced a homemade microscale, with which we can measure a vessel with 0.1-mm-diameter precision. To produce this microscale, we used Microsoft Office software. First, a line is inserted into a blank page. Then the thickness of the line is adjusted to 0.1 mm by clicking on the right button of the mouse. The second line is inserted under the first line with a thickness of 0.2 mm. By this order, 10 lines of 2 cm length with 0.1-mm-thickness interval are created one under the other ([Fig. 1a]). After these procedures, the lines are approximated and printed onto an acetate paper. The acetate paper is then laminated with a transparent sheet to prevent it from getting wet ([Fig. 1b]). Eventually, the thicknesses of the lines are confirmed with a caliper. Your homemade microscale is ready.

Fig. 1 (a) Design of the lines. (b) Diameter of the rat femoral artery and vein can be detected with 0.1-mm precision.

• References

• 1 Chang WC, Sretavan DW. Microtechnology in medicine: the emergence of surgical microdevices. Clin Neurosurg 2007; 54: 137-147