Microscopy 101

Proper Handling

• Make sure cord is secure

• Support the base with one hand

• Lift with the arm of the scope

• Do not swing!

Ocular

Arm

Stage

Base

Coarse Adjustment

Fine AdjustmentLight Source

Diaphragm

Stage Clips

Objectives

Nosepiece

Tube

Magnification

Ocular = 10x

4x Objective 10x Objective 40x Objective

Therefore, 40x, 100x, 400x Magnification

Getting Started

• Plug in & turn on

• Rotate nosepiece to place 4x objective into position

• Raise stage all the way up by turning the coarse adjustment knob

• Place specimen slide into place

• Look into ocular as you lower the stage VERY SLOWLY until low magnification image focuses

Increasing Magnification & Focusing

• Once low magnification is focused, DO NOT touch coarse adjustment knob ever again!

• Switch to 10x objective by rotating nosepiece

• Use fine adjustment knob to focus

• Once focused, switch to 40x objective to view high magnification

• Focus with fine adjustment knob

Before you leave…

• Return slides to proper boxes

• Turn off & unplug scopes

• Rotate to lowest objectives (4x)

• Raise stage all the way up with coarse adjustment knob

• Secure cords

• Return to cabinets, carrying properly