Ovuscope OS-100 Microscope User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- Ovuscope
Table of Contents
Ovuscope OS-100 Microscope
Instructions for Use:
As a woman enters the fertile period of her menstrual cycle, higher estrogen
levels cause the amount of salt in her saliva to increase. The increased salt
forms crystallization patterns known as “saliva ferning” because the crystals
resemble fern leaves. By viewing saliva samples under laboratory microscopes,
medical researchers found that crystallized ferning patterns became more
distinct as fertility levels rise.
The Ovuscope was designed and tested by an obstetrician to ensure you can get
the same easy-to-see results in your home as the doctor gets in the lab. The
Ovuscope’s large viewing area and lab-quality optics make it easy for you to
observe crystallization patterns and track your fertility cycle.
IMPORTANT!
Before testing:
- We recommend testing every morning during your ovulation window.
- Do not eat, drink, smoke, or brush your teeth before testing.
- Rinse mouth with water and wait 10 minutes.
Note: Saliva samples may be affected by smoking, alcohol or food consumption. Wait at least two hours after these activities before testing saliva.
- Step 1: Separate the microscope body from the base.
- Step 2: Remove the slide from a sealed plastic bag. Use your tongue to carefully dab the indented square region on slide. Allow saliva sample to dry for up to 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Insert the slide into a slot in the base.
- Step 4: Reattach microscope body to base. You will hear a clicking sound when the microscope locks into base.
- Step 5: Press the power button* to activate the light source.
- Step 6: Slowly adjust the focus knob in either direction to bring the image into view.
installing battery …
- Remove the screw-in battery door using a small Philips head screwdriver.
- Remove the battery door.
- Replace an exhausted battery with a fresh CR2032 coin cell battery.
- Replace the battery door and screw.
Observing your results …
The salt or electrolyte crystals that are present in dried female saliva rise significantly prior to or during a normal ovulation period to form miniature patterns resembling fern leaves.
Frequently asked questions …
I’m not seeing any turning. What’s wrong?
First, review the directions to make sure you are using the Ovuscope
correctly. Also, make sure you are looking at the entire region where the
saliva has dried; ferning may occur near the edges of the region. However, if
you still do not see any ferning throughout your cycle, there are several
possible reasons. First, not all women fern. There could be many reasons, such
as having a hormone imbalance or you may not be ovulating. In this case,
please contact your physician. Second, ferning may be disrupted by smoking,
eating, drinking (water, alcohol, etc.), brushing your teeth, how saliva is
put on the slide, or where/when you did the test. During most days of your
cycle, you may not have any ferning at all. This just means you are outside
your ovulation window, such as during your period.
Keep monitoring, especially on days when you expect you may begin ovulating.
How do I know if I am focusing correctly?
If you are having trouble focusing on your sample, try to focus the microscope
on the edge of the
square inset on the slide. Turn the focus knob until you have that in focus,
then move back toward the center of the square to view your sample. Keep in
mind, that you may not see anything if you are outside your ovulation window.
If you are still having trouble focusing the Ovuscope, make sure you are
placing your eye close to the microscope’s eyepiece or try taking your glasses
off.
Can the OvuScope test give me a false positive?
Yes, ferning can appear if a saliva sample is taken after eating, drinking,
smoking, or taking certain medications.
Ferning appears at random times. What’s wrong?
Make sure that the saliva sample was taken prior to brushing your teeth,
eating, drinking, or smoking. Also, an illness such as a cold, or some
medications may affect the results. All the above have an impact on ferning
and can cause you to see ferning at random times.
Does this work for women who have PCOS?
Yes, but the only issue is determining when you are ovulating over a longer
time period. A typical woman’s cycle is between 25-35 days. A woman with PCOS
could go three months or longer without a regular cycle, so it may take many
months to observe ferning.
What is the magnification?
60x.
Why is the image blurry?
Please adjust the focus until clear. You also may need to allow the saliva
more time to dry before viewing.
How much saliva do I need for testing?
Just a small drop. Do not overfill the small square cutout.
My fern patterns look different from my friends. Is this cause for
concern?
No, fern patterns are dependent on several factors that are unique to each
person. Some women may fern more/less than others. After a few weeks of
monitoring, you will be able to immediately recognize what is normal and
expected of you. I saw ferning on the slide when I first took the sample but
several hours later it was gone.
How long can a sample stay on the slide?
For reliable results, look at samples that have just finished drying. Yes, it
is possible for a dry saliva sample to be observable on the slide several
hours later but this is not recommended as the sample can be affected by
environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
My ferning pattern results don’t align with my BBT thermometer results.
What does this mean?
BBT thermometers provide a shorter spike typically lasting 24-36 hours.
However, ferning may last closer to 72-96 hours, providing an extended window
in which to remain sexually active and maximize the chance of conception.
Also, there are more factors that may affect your body’s temperature than
those that may affect your saliva chemistry, such that the two methods may not
coincide exactly.
Can the OvuScope be used as a contraceptive or pregnancy test?
No, this device is not intended to be used as a contraceptive or pregnancy
test, nor will it provide any indicative information during pregnancy. Use
only as a means to monitor ovulation during your anticipated ovulation window.
How do I clean the slides?
Slides can be rinsed with warm water and dried gently with a soft cloth.
Ensure there are no watermarks or dust left behind as this can alter readings.
Do not use any abrasive chemicals or cloths on the slide, such as alcohol,
ammonia, paper towels, etc. which may degrade or scratch the optical surface.
Can you use cervical fluid instead of saliva?
No, please only test using saliva.
Is this FDA approved?
A saliva-based ovulation method is considered a Class I devise by the FDA and
is not subject to FDA device approval, however, the company and this device
are registered with the FDA.
Have more questions? Go to:
www.ovuscope.com/faq
For additional information: Phone:
631-963-5000
Email: [email protected] website:
www.ovuscope.com