The Microscope

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The Microscope

• Proper Care and Use

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Microscopes are an important part of the
physicians office. They are
instrumental for diagnosing such things
as urinary tract infections, and yeast and
bacterial infections. It is imperative that
you understand how to operate and care for this
expensive piece of equipment.
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Lets review some of the parts.
Ocular Lens (Eyepiece) In this case Binocular (2)
Arm or Limb (used for carrying)
Objectives (there are four)
Cord hanger
Aperture (hole in stage that allows light through)
Coarse focus (lets you bring specimen into rough
view)
Stage (specimen slide is placed here)
Fine focus (lets you bring specimen into clear
view)
Light source
On/Off Switch (turns on light,
controls brightness)
Base
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A Few More Parts
Turret or revolving nosepiece (lets you rotate to
whichever objective you want)
Diaphragm
Iris diaphragm lever (increases or decreases the
aperture to alter light)
Condenser adjustment knob (moves diaphragm up
and down to adjust light)
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And a Few More
Stage clips (to hold the slide in place)
Stage adjustment (to move the stage left/right,
forward/backward)
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Objectives
Powers
Low or 4x 40x magnification Medium or 10x
100x magnification High or 40x 400x
magnification Oil-Immersion or 100x 1000x
magnification
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Adjust the oculars to fit your eyes
Use both hands to adjust
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Some microscope
accessories.
Glass slide covers. These cover the specimen on
your slide.
Glass slides. The specimen to be analyzed is
placed on these.
Immersion oil, used with the oil immersion lens.
Lens paper is used to clean the eyepiece and
objectives. It can be used alone or with a
cleaning solution made for microscopes.
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Getting started. Glove up! Switch on the
light. Rotate the nosepiece to the lowest
power. Prepare your specimen on a slide, cover
it with a glass cover. Place it on the stage and
hold it in place with the stage clips.
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• Use the coarse focus to bring the stage and
  objective lens closer together, but without
  touching the slide.
• You can use the stage adjustments to scan the
  slide (right to left, top to bottom) so the
  specimen is directly under your objective lens.
• Once your specimen is in view, STOP.
• Now use the fine focus to adjust the specimen so
  it is in clear focus.

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Once your specimen is in focus, you can adjust
the diaphragm to find the best lighting.
This knob
Moves the diaphragm
Next, you can rotate the nosepiece to the medium
power. You should probably only have to use the
fine focus at this point to bring your specimen
into clear view. You may also adjust the light
again.
Repeat this process with the highest power.
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If you need to use the oil-immersion lens, place
1 to 2 drops of oil on top of your cover slide.
This is the small glass that covers your specimen.
Rotate the 100x objective lens into position.
Slowly move the stage up until the lens makes
contact with the oil. Yes, it will actually touch
the oil.
Refocus with the coarse and fine focus. You will
be able to see additional detail with this lens.
When finished, clean the lens with lens paper and
cleaning solution.
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Lets test what you have just learned.
Starting with 1, try to recall the name for
the part indicated.
Click the mouse to reveal
the correct answer. Work your
way around to 9.
5____________
Oculars
6______________
Turret/Nosepiece
_________1
Arm
Objectives
7__________
Coarse/Fine Focus
_____________2
Stage
8___________
____________3
On/Off Switch
Light Source
9____________
________4
Base
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A few more to try
Aperture diaphragm adjustment
Stage adjustment
___________10
13___________
Diaphragm
__________11
Stage Clip
__________12
Aperture
14____________
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Putting the microscope away.
Turn off the light. Clean the microscope and
surrounding work area.
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Next
Make sure the stage is centered on the microscope
before storing it. You dont want any overhang
that can be damaged when transporting.
Rotate the nosepiece so the lowest objective is
in place.
Use the coarse adjustment to move the stage into
the lowest position.
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Wind the cord and secure it, so it does not drag
on the ground.
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Always carry the microscope with one hand on
the arm and one under the base.
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Always cover the microscope when it is not in
use. This will protect it from dust and debris.
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Thank you.
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Produced by Yakima Valley
Community College Allied Health Technology
Programs Summer 2007