The Microscope

Proper Care and Use

Microscopes are an
important part of the
physician’s 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.
 Let’s review some of the parts.
Arm or Limb Ocular Lens
(used for (Eyepiece)
carrying) In this case
Binocular (2)

Cord hanger Objectives

(there are four)

Coarse focus (lets you Aperture (hole in stage

bring specimen into that allows light through)
rough view)

Fine focus (lets you Stage (specimen

bring specimen into slide is placed
clear view) here)

Light source
On/Off Switch
(turns on light, controls
Base
brightness)
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)
And a Few More

Stage clips (to hold

the slide in place)

Stage adjustment (to move

the stage left/right,
forward/backward)
 Powers
Objectives
Low or 4x =
40x magnification

Medium or 10x =
100x magnification

High or 40x =
400x magnification

Oil-Immersion or 100x =
1000x magnification
Adjust the oculars to fit your eyes

Use both hands to adjust

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.
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.
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.
Once your specimen is in focus, you can adjust the diaphragm to
find the best lighting.
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.

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.
 Let’s 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 5____________
Oculars
answer. Work
your way 6______________
Turret/Nosepiece
around to 9.
_________1
Arm
Objectives
7__________

Coarse/Fine
Focus
_____________2

Stage
8___________
On/Off Switch
____________3

Light Source
9____________
________4
Base
 A few more to try

Aperture
diaphragm Stage
adjustment
___________10 adjustment
13___________

Diaphragm
__________11

Stage Clip
__________12 Aperture
14____________
Putting the microscope away.

Turn off the

light.
Clean the
microscope
and
surrounding
work area.
Next
Make sure the stage is
centered on the
microscope before storing
it. You don’t 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.
Wind the cord
and secure it,
so it does not
drag on the
ground.
Always carry
the
microscope
with
one hand on
the arm
and one
under the
base.
Always cover
the microscope
when it is not
in use. This will
protect it from
dust and
debris.
Thank you.
 Produced by

Yakima Valley Community College

Allied Health Technology Programs

Summer 2007