1. The Microscope Proper Care and Use

2. 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.

3. Let’s review some of the parts. On/Off Switch (turns on light, controls brightness) Ocular Lens (Eyepiece) In this case Binocular (2) Objectives (there are four) Stage ( specimen slide is placed here) Arm or Limb (used for carrying) Coarse focus (lets you bring specimen into rough view) Fine focus (lets you bring specimen into clear view) Light source Cord hanger Base Aperture (hole in stage that allows light through)

4. Turret or revolving nosepiece (lets you rotate to whichever objective you want) Diaphragm Iris diaphragm lever (increases or decreases the aperture to alter light) A Few More Parts Condenser adjustment knob (moves diaphragm up and down to adjust light)

5. Stage clips (to hold the slide in place) Stage adjustment (to move the stage left/right, forward/backward) And a Few More

6. Objectives Objectives Low or 4x = 40x magnification Medium or 10x = 100x magnification High or 40x = 400x magnification Oil-Immersion or 100x = 1000x magnification Powers

7. Adjust the oculars to fit your eyes Adjust the oculars to fit your eyes Use both hands to adjust

8. Some microscope Glass slide covers. These cover the specimen on your slide. Glass slides. The specimen to be analyzed is placed on these. Lens paper is used to clean the eyepiece and objectives. It can be used alone or with a cleaning solution made for microscopes. accessories. Immersion oil, used with the oil immersion lens.

9. 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.

10. 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.

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

12. 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.

13. _________1 _____________2 ____________3 ________4 5____________ 6______________ 7__________ 8___________ 9____________ Arm Coarse/Fine Focus On/Off Switch Base Oculars Turret/Nosepiece Objectives Stage Light Source 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. Let’s test what you have just learned. Let’s test what you have just learned.

14. A few more to try ___________10 __________11 __________12 13___________ 14____________ Stage adjustment Diaphragm Stage Clip Aperture Aperture diaphragm adjustment

15. Putting the microscope away. Turn off the light. Clean the microscope and surrounding work area.

16. Make sure the stage is centered on the microscope before storing it. You don’t want any overhang that can be damaged when transporting. Use the coarse adjustment to move the stage into the lowest position. Rotate the nosepiece so the lowest objective is in place. Next

17. Wind the cord and secure it, so it does not drag on the ground.

18. Always carry the microscope with one hand on the arm and one under the base.

19. Always cover the microscope when it is not in use. This will protect it from dust and debris.

20. Thank you.

21. Produced by Produced by Yakima Valley Community College Yakima Valley Community College Allied Health Technology Programs Allied Health Technology Programs Summer 2007 Summer 2007