Three cheers to the most recognizable instrument found in laboratories around the world! People rely on a periodic microscope servicing by a qualified microscope technician. For lubrication, we use oil on these slides for the microscope. Be very careful while using a microscope at the magnification of 100 objectives. When you have finished viewing the slide, lower the Mechanical stage using the Adjustment knob, click the low power lens into viewing position (in preparation for next time), and remove the slide (by pressing on the ends of the clips to release it). Basic Microscope Use and Safety. There are microscope cleaning kits you can purchase to make microscope cleaning safer and more adequate. Remove your glasses, if you wear them. Adjust the diaphragm below the stage. Slide Preparation: Microscope slides should always be prepared with a cover slip or cover glass over the specimen. Happy Viewing! Familiarize yourself with the microscope. The arm is the portion that connects the base to the eyepiece. Learn how your comment data is processed. Looking at the microscope from the side, position the stage and objectives close together using the coarse adjustment. The proper way to use a monocular microscope is to look through the eyepiece with one eye and keep the other eye open (this helps avoid eye strain). Required fields are marked *. Total magnification = ocular magnification x objective magnification. We ship anywhere with UPS, FedEx and USPS. If the objective lens should touch the slide (which should not happen anyway of the device is used correctly, see below), these covers will prevent or minimize damage caused. When you move the slide to the right, the image goes to the left! Place your sample on the microscope stage, and center it using the 4x objective. If you are learning how to use a compound microscope on your own, you may have a diagram that came with your microscope which provides this information. Learn more about microscopes with our other useful guides below: Your email address will not be published. To clean the body of the microscope, use a soft dry or damp cloth. If you want to reserve a microscope and boxes with slides, please contact Dr. Michael Hortsch. Store your manual with your microscope so you can reference it easily. Your email address will not be published. This is one of a series of videos on cell biology. It allows you to fine tune what you’re looking at under the microscope. There are multiple essential pieces of the microscope that you need to be able to identify and use properly. This means that you are going to need to spend a little bit of money for the microscope. Raise the clip, slip the slide underneath, and proceed to the second clip. Email: info@nyscopes.com Learn the components of the microscope. The objective is the piece that magnifies the image. You may want to use gloves. Here are some more useful tips to consider before using a microscope: When using a microscope with a single eyepiece, it is good practice to keep the other eye open to avoid eye strain. The lens of a microscope is very delicate and so it is difficult to clean.It is not advisable to remove the lens from the microscope to be cleaned. Make sure to use a non-solvent cleaning solution to remove any dirt, so that you do not damage your optics. Place the microscope slide on the stage (6) and fasten it with the stage clips. Move the lever or spin the disc until the diaphragm is all the way open. Read through the notes on how to use a microscope Be aware of the parts of the microscope … Remember that the image is flipped upside down and horizontally when viewed through the microscope, so when moving it, it will appear to go the opposite way to what you might intend – moving the slide up makes the image move down, and moving the slide to the right makes the image move left, etc. There are multiple objectives of varying magnifications. Always place the microscope on a level and stable surface. How to Use a Microscope Properly. Look at the side of the microscope and turn the Adjustment knob until the lens is very close to, but not touching, the slide. 2. Introduction: Understand how to operate and use a different microscope properly Concepts/Key Terms: Microscope and cell. Microscope Calculation Summary. Once you have a clear image with the low-power objective, you may want to switch to a higher power one by switching the objective lens. So make sure you have the correct sized glass slides and coverslips for your objectives. Ah! The fine focus is a smaller knob that is used to focus specifically on the specimen. How to Use a Microscope Compound Microscopes. Move the eyepieces closer together or further apart until you see a single circle of light. Pick up microscope by carrying arm, position it so it is accessible to your seat, with open side of the stage facing you 3. Step by Step – How to Use a Compound Microscope. If your microscope is monocular (it has only one eyepiece), close or cover your other eye for accuracy and comfort when viewing. You will need to sign a loan agreement to obtain a locker key and you will be responsible for the slide collection. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 4. So now you know how to use and adjust a compound microscope. Do not touch the middle glass part of the lenses with your fingers, just the edges. Proper handling - An obvious yet important rule of microscope safety is to carry the unit properly. There are two focus knobs: coarse and fine focus. The stage is a platform where you will place your slides for viewing. 4. There is special lens paper for cleaning the lenses. Be careful not to drop the lens into the face of the slide, as this may cause damage to the lens. The water should hold the coverslip in place. Call Toll-Free: 877-877-7274 Be sure that there is room for it to move into place. Use one drop of oil between a coverslip and an objective lens for lubrication. Lower the Mechanical stage to make more room if needed. Never pick it up solely by the arm. In order to move your microscope safely, one hand should be under its base for support and the other at its arm. Use a microfiber cloth when wiping off dust and dirt from lenses. A microscope is an instrument that is used to magnify a specimen (a sample used for analysis). Pond water or pollen are great samples to start with. GSA / Federal Supply If using immersion oil, be sure to clean the immersion oil lens thoroughly after use. This will help protect the objective lenses if they touch the slide. The stage on a microscope is the flat plate where the slides are placed for observation. Raise the stage: Use the coarse focus knob to raise the stage all the way. Drop a small drop of the water or place a few spores of the pollen directly onto the slide. Use one of your hands to grab the arm of the microscope, while using your other one to place it directly underneath the base of it. овать микроскоп, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The diaphragm should have a lever or disc that spins to alter its diameter and change the amount of light coming through. These leave a lot of lint behind. Dwayne Oliver on March 14, 2019 Leave a Comment on How to Use a Microscope Properly. Kevin Fisher on March 14, 2019 Leave a Comment on How to Use a Microscope Properly. Pay with the world’s most popular and secure payment methods. Overview of Microscope in Detail. Ask us about our Price Match Guarantee. The first step is to go over all parts of the microscope and get a good idea of where everything is and what everything does – especially any dials or other interactive features. Switch off the microscope when it is not in use. If you try this, and it doesn’t seem to come into focus, then drop the lens to very near, but not touching, the slide (look from beside the microscope to do this, not through the eye piece) and then look through the eyepiece while you slowly raise the lens away from the slide. Schedules. The microscope is used in different fields. When carrying a microscope, hold it by the base and the metal support arm. Be aware that as you focus, the stage rises closer to the objective. Make sure that the slide is centered properly. Be sure that there is room for it to move into place. When moving the microscope, always carry it with both hands (Figure 1). They should raise up slightly to allow the slide in. Order our Microscope Cleaning Kit for a complete set of tools to clean your microscope with. One hand should support the bottom, and the other should have a firm grip on the arm. Use Microscopes Properly Microscopes are key players in many labs, and they come with their own required safety protocols. Ensure the microscope is not plugged in before moving it. It is possible to raise the stage enough to touch some of the objective lenses, so take care during the focusing process to avoid this. Keeping your microscope clean (especially the optics) will also ensure that it lasts longer. This is best done while standing in front of the microscope where you would normally use it, but you should also do a “walk around” to view any features that are hidden from view when using the device. Well done. Carry the microscope below the base and on the arm. This is because a cheap microscope is not going to work great for a child. 2. To prepare your own slide, obtain a specimen you’d like to look at in more detail. The microscope. Examine all the parts, and learn their name and function. You can use the microscope's settings to focus the object according to your sight. Slides are quite fragile and can be broken if this step is not done properly. 4x) is clicked into position. You will be charged $8 for any broken slide. If you are in a class, the instructor should review this with the class. The eyepiece has a 10x magnification that is multiplied by the magnification of the objective; therefore, the 4x objective gives you a total magnification of 40x (10 times 4). Because the coarse knob moves the objectives closer to the stage, the slide can crack if you’re not paying attention. Avoid touching the lenses of the microscope. Check that it does not crash into the objective (it should not, because you will not be able to turn it higher with the 4x objective in place.) Grasp the arm with one hand and place the other hand under the base for support. Always turn the illuminator off after you use it. See a better price somewhere else? Everyone knows it is used to ascertain the detailed picture of omnipresent bacteria and whatnot! Use a non-solvent cleaning solution to avoid damaging the lenses. cameras. The slide can be moved around to center the desired image in the field of view. Switch between different objectives and adjust the focus knobs until you are comfortable using the microscope. Turn the revolving turret (2) so that the lowest power objective lens (eg. Starting at the high power objective may mean that you don't see the object or you don't see the full object. You will usually want the most light possible for clearer viewing, but with low power objective lenses you may need to decrease the light. Fax: 516-801-2046. Reducing the light may allow the object to look more rich and less washed out. You will see when you use a microscope that the image is upside down and back to front: when you move the slide up the image will move down – you will get used to it! If the diaphragm is closed, you won’t see any light. Lower the Mechanical stage to make more room if needed. Only use a microfiber cloth. Cover your microscope and store it away when not being used. Never use paper towels with the slides. How to Use a Microscope Properly. The specimen must be right above the hole on the microscope’s stage. Always carry a microscope upright, as the eyepiece could fall off. The diaphragm is just underneath the stage and allows you to vary the amount of light shining on your image. The coarse focus knob is usually a large knob on the side of the microscope that moves the objective lens towards or away from the slide. After all, it's a crying shame to break your microscope right after you buy it! This will create for a nice amount of support, and will ensure that you don’t damage the arm or any other parts while you’re carrying it. If the slide is dirty, wipe it gently with the lint-free cloth. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This means that you are going to need to spend a little bit of money for the microscope. If you have to close one eye when looking into the microscope, it's ok. It is often called the scanning objective for this reason. Phone: 516-801-0313 This is the most secure way to hold and walk with the microscope. Use the fine adjustment knob to focus the slide further. An improperly mounted sample will cause problems before you even get started. 1. Use the fine adjustment knob when working with the higher objectives, such as the 10x option. Always cover your microscope when not in use. The image should come into focus. The two most common high power objectives are the 10x and 40x. The eyepiece is the portion that you will look into to view your specimen. Turn the Objective Lenses so that the longest lens (the lowest power one) is in viewing position. If you can’t find one online, contact the company directly and see if you can have another one mailed to you. Standard microscope slides are 75mm x 75mm x 1mm (length x width x height). Always carry your microscope with two hands – one underneath the microscope and on the item’s arm. In this experiment, I learned how to operate a microscope to see a different cell in different magnification. Remember, everything is upside down and backwards. This is because a cheap microscope is not going to work great for a child. Place the slide on the Mechanical stage and fasten it with the stage clips. Sign up for the latest offers and articles. Pushing down in the back end of these stage clips will open them. Microscope slides should be prepared beforehand and should include a cover slip (plastic or glass, depending on your purpose and budget). The 10x objective gives you a magnification of 100x and the 40x objective, a 400x magnification. As with any large electrical appliance, extreme care must be taken when engaging in any type of microscope parts replacement or repair. Always use two hands when moving the microscope. If you have misplaced your manual, try searching for a downloadable version of the manual on the website for the maker of the microscope. The low power objective gives you the widest view, and allows you to slowly bring the object into focus without missing it. Make sure the microscope is set to the lowest power objective. At some point, it will come into focus for you. The light source is on the base of the microscope and points up toward the stage. Maintaining a microscope properly ensures that your microscope works well for years. Always, therefore, carry your microscope in both hands. This video will introduce compound light microscopes, their parts, and how to properly use them. Prepare your slide with a protective coverslip. Hold the microscope with one hand around the arm of the device, and the other hand under the base. Be sure that your sample is properly setup (slide, water drop, sample, cover slip) before starting. Turn on the microscope and place the slide on the microscope stage with the specimen directly over the circle of light. If there is still no light, check the outlet or ask for assistance to change the light bulb in the scope. Always use both hands when you carry a microscope, with one hand on the arm and the other under the base. 5. Remember, the magnification is mirrored, so you will need to move it the opposite direction on the stage to adjust it properly in your lens. Doing this will give you a 90% chance of finding the specimen as soon as you look through the eyepiece. If you don’t see any light, try adjusting the diaphragm until it is open all the way. By using a microscope, one can see the minute details of an object. Be sure to only switch off the microscope when the dimmer is set to the lowest intensity and always turn off the lamp before moving the microscope. Experiment: I tried to adjust the microscope setting and see different samples to see what it looks like under the microscope on each website. Because they are shorter, you don’t need to worry about turning them into the face of the slide and causing damage. Place a cover slip at a 45-degree angle to the slide and gently let it fall on top of the slide. Place the slide on the Mechanical stage and fasten it with the stage clips. It provides the light for image viewing. Turn on the microscope and place the slide on the microscope stage with the specimen directly over the circle of light. Keep adding more oil to cover all the air gaps. The slide boxes and the microscope may not be removed from the laboratory. This is one of the reasons we start with the lower ones. If you are wearing gloves you can touch the slide, but try to only pick up slides by their sides. Test yourself 14. Avoid picking your microscope up by the stage or the eyepiece holder, as this can cause misalignment. But there are various precautions and steps that can be followed to prevent any damage that may inflict your microscope and cause trouble. 13. Total Magnification-how much the image is magnified in the microscope-calculated for each objective power. Place the microscope on the table and plug it in. The below image shows how to properly mount the sample onto your slide. Turn the Objective Lenses so that the longest lens (the lowest power one) is in viewing position. Return Policy and Free Service Protection for To preserve samples for longer, add a bit of clear nail polish around the edges of the slide to secure the coverslip in place. The first step is to make sure that you have a quality microscope. The first step is to make sure that you have a quality microscope. Try using different slides to increase your practice. Look through the eyepiece and move the Adjustment knob so that the lens lifts away from the slide. Move the lever or spin the disc until you see light coming through again. Look at the objective lens (3) and the stage from the side and turn the focus knob (4) so the stage moves upward. The condenser can be adjusted to increase or decrease light intensity. You may need to slightly adjust the focus and centering of the object you are viewing. Only use specific lens paper to maintain and clean lenses. Plug in the microscope & turn on light source. Archaeologists use them to learn the composition of an artifact. If you are struggling, try getting the slide under one clip at a time. The “stage clips” should be used to secure the slide (and cover) to the stage. Contact Information:100 Lauman Lane, Ste A, Hicksville, NY 11801 Add a coverslip over the slide to further protect the microscope and the sample touching. Always carry the microscope with both hands. If you see two images when you look through the eyepieces, you need to continue to adjust the distance. The oil and dirt on your fingers can scratch the glass. We're committed to providing excellent customer service and expert advice. nearly all our products. Use caution when switching between objectives to avoid breaking the slide. Also, since it is the shortest objective lens, there is the least chance of scratching the lens when situating or removing the slide from the microscope. Cleaning a microscope is really straightforward; there are just a few points that should be made: Make sure you clean the scope first with a brush to remove any dust that could have accumulated within the space. Grasp the arm with one hand and place the other hand under the base for support. Simple compound microscopes will only have one eyepiece while more complex microscopes will have a binocular eyepiece. Never use your finger. It allows you to find your specimen and roughly focus on it. Avoid forcing the slides underneath the clips. Rather use a bulb-type duster or a compressed gas canister designed specifically for cameras/microscope cameras and other optical equipment. The microscope lens belongs to one of the three most important elements that make up the microscope. Keep your hands and the area you’re working as free of dirt and contaminating particles as possible. We service and repair all brands of microscopes, on the field or at our in-house service center. We are a full-service microscope company specializing in high-quality microscopes, digital microscopes and digital Glass cover slips are dependent on your objective, but 0.017mm is fairly common also. PROPER USE OF THE MICROSCOPE 1. It collects lots of light from the outside.