Care and maintenance of microscope

Maintenance tips
1. Handle with care
Improper handling is a common cause of many problems that occur with microscopes. When carrying a microscope, hold it by the base and the metal support arm. The stage on a microscope is the flat plate where the slides are placed for observation. Avoid picking your microscope up by the stage or the eyepiece holder, as this can cause misalignment.
2. Look after lenses
When using your microscope, the objective lens is lowered to adjust the focus. However, be careful not to let the lens touch the slide you’re looking at, as this can damage the lens. Furthermore, dirty lenses are notoriously difficult to clean.
3. Keep covered
Microscopes should always be sold with dust covers. Whether transporting or storing your instrument, make the most of the microscope bag and remember to keep your microscope covered when not in use. The microscope’s eye tubes also
need to be kept dust free. If the eyepieces need to be removed, cover the tubes with caps and store them with the microscope.
4. Store safely
Ensure you store your microscope in a clean, dry space with good ventilation. Salt air or damp, for example, can cause damage to equipment over time. Expensive, precision equipment should not be stored next to solutions that may leak. Similarly, keep your microscope away from areas with potentially corrosive chemical fumes. Such fumes can destroy lenses or corrode metal parts.
5. Keep clean
Oil immersion is a technique used to increase the resolving power of a microscope. Both the objective lens and sample are immersed in a transparent oil of high refractive index so that high magnifications can be achieved while still maintaining good resolution. It is essential to ensure careful cleaning takes place immediately after using immersion oil and do not use damaging solvents.
6. Take care of bulbs
After using your microscope, turn off the illuminator and wait for it to cool down before putting it away. Allowing the bulb to cool will extend its life and avoid the unnecessary cost of expensive replacements. Similarly, if used constantly on full power, the bulb will overheat and blow. Remember too, to turn the illuminator off when not in use.
7. Clean carefully
Microscope lenses are delicate. Treat them carefully to avoid any scratches. Use an aspirator to remove dust. Moisten special lens paper with distilled water or appropriate cleaning solution. Rubbing gently in a circular motion will remove any sticky residue. Never use anything abrasive on microscope lenses.
8. Refer to the user’s manual
Your microscope should be sold with a user’s manual and specialist spanners as required. Always refer to the manual when making any adjustments to the microscope and use the supplied spanners. Never use force, inappropriate tools or over-tighten when making adjustments to your microscope, as this will only result in equipment damage.
9. Maintain your microscope
An annual maintenance check of microscopes is always a good idea. Moving parts should be cleaned and lubricated. Similarly, inspect the power cords and plugs for safety.
10. Consider a professional service
Consider a friendly team for a range of products to help keep your laboratory microscopy equipment in tip top condition.
Cleaning and maintenance supplies
Dust cover: When not in use, a microscope should be covered to protect it from dust, hair, and any other possible sources of dirt. It is important to note that a dust cover should never be placed over a microscope while the illuminator is still on.
Lens tissue: Lint-free lens tissues are delicate wipes that would not scratch the surface of the oculars or objective. Always ensure that you are using these types of tissues. Never substitute facial tissue or paper towel, as they are too abrasive.
Lens cleaner: Lens cleaning solution assists in removing fingerprints and smudges on lenses and objectives. Apply the lens cleaner to the lens tissue paper and clean/polish the surface.
Compressed air duster: Using compressed air to rid the microscope of dust particles is far superior to using your own breath and blowing onto the microscope. Compressed air is clean, and avoids possible contamination of saliva particles.

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Titany answered the question on September 10, 2021 at 11:45