Lab: Microscope use

Question 1

What equiment is necessary for microscope setup

Answer 1

• Microscope (EX30 with
  blue detail on the arm)
• Microscope slide.
• Lens tissues
• Empty Immersion Oil
  bottle

Question 2

What is the method of setting up a microscope?

Answer 2

1. ensure microscope is plugged in and switched on at the mains
2. Ensure the light adjustment knob is turned to the lowest setting
3. Turn on the microscope. Rotate the objective nosepiece
   to select the lowest power
   objective lens, normally the 4x
   objective.
4. Ensure the condenser is high - but slightly lowered so it does not get
   damaged when the slide is placed on the stage. Use the condenser
   focus dial on the focus arm to adjust the height.
5. This high – but slightly lowered position of the condenser is where it
   should be for all samples other than for skin scrapes/hair plucks etc.
6. Position the stage to allow
   enough room to easily position
   the slide into the specimen
   holder.
7. Use the course focussing knob
   to move the stage up and
   down.
8. Position the slide on the stage by holding open the arm of
   the specimen holder and sliding the slide to the back of the specimen holder, then
   gently release the arm so it holds the slide in place.
9. Check the aperture diaphragm and the field diaphragm are open.
10. Use the X – axis and Y – axis knobs
    to position the slide on the stage so
    that the specimen is centred ready
    for viewing.
11. Increase the light intensity, using the light adjustment knob. Adjust the binocular eyepieces to fit your eyes and so that you only see one image.

Question 3

How do you focus on the sample?

Answer 3

1. The course focusing knob will visibly move the stage and
   should be used first.
2. The fine focusing knob will not appear to move the stage and
   is used to achieve a crisp image.

Question 4

FIB:

Answer 4

Question 5

What are the steps for viewing a blood smear under oil immersion?

Answer 5

1. Confirm the condenser is in the highest position without it touching the slide and check the aperture diaphragm is open.
2. use the 10x and/or the 40x objective lens
   to easily find area of the specimen you want examine. Use oil immersion when focussed on the area of the specimen
3. Turn the objective nosepiece to move the objective lens, place a drop of oil on the slide.
4. place the 100x lens over the specimen

Question 6

Explain the process of viewing a skin scrape

Answer 6

1. Use the condenser focus dial to lower the condenser position so
   that you see better contrast of the sample.
2. You will remain using the 4x lens so recheck you are happy with the
   focus and brightness of the specimen.

Question 7

What is the battlement technique?

Answer 7

This is where you work across the slide in this pattern

Question 8

What are the steps to shutdown a microscope?

Answer 8

1. Lower stage and remove the slide and return it to the slide holder.
2. Lower the light using the light adjustment knob.
3. Turn off the power switch on the side of the microscope.
   4.Turn off the main power supply at the plug socket.
4. Replace the microscope dust cover.