Useful Guidelines on the Proper Handling and Maintenance of a Compound Light Microscope

Compound light microscopes are so sensitive thus each part should be handled and maintained carefully. These microscopes are expensive and breaking just a part can cost quite a fortune. With utmost maintenance and proper handling, a microscope is said to last for at least ten years. Here are some tips on how to handle and maintain a compound light microscope.

1. Carrying the microscope. When taking the microscope out of the cabinet, make sure that it is placed in an upright position. When walking with the microscope grab its arm with one hand and place the base on the other hand. Always remember that swinging the microscope can damage it.

2. Handling the microscope. Never use your fingers to touch the lenses. Human body can produce oil which can smudge and etch the glass.

3. Cleaning the microscope. There are several parts of the microscope and each requires different cleaning materials and techniques. Below are some guidelines in cleaning the compound light microscope:

In cleaning the lens, use lens paper only. Remember that lens is made of soft, coated glass thus it can easily be scratched. Never use paper towels and toilet papers containing fibers. Also avoid using hard instruments with materials that can easily scratch the lens.

Check the lens’ surface which needs cleaning. Focusing the equipment on a clean slide and moving this slide can help one identify if there are visible dusts. Dirt on the eyepiece can be seen when the eyepiece is rotated in a circular manner. The eyepiece needs cleaning if any dirt or dust rotates therein. Be careful not to damage any pointers when doing this process.

When cleaning the objectives, it will also help to easily determine dirt by rotating it. If certain dust or dirt stay or move in the objective, then it’s time to clean it. Lens paper is also used in cleaning the objectives. If dirt is still visible after cleaning the objective’s exterior, then the interior surface must be cleaned. Interior surface can also be cleaned the same way as the exterior, using aspirator can be very helpful. If all the surfaces are cleaned and there is still dirt on the view, the dirt maybe stuck between the lenses. Disassembly of the lenses in the objective must be necessary and microscope technician is the only person qualified to do this process.

When cleaning the other parts of the microscope, an aspirator and a camel’s hair brush must be used to remove all loose dirt and dust. If you have to use immersion oil, immediately wipe the residue from all the microscope’s surfaces to prevent it from hardening.

3. Storing the microscope. This can be the most critical step in maintaining the microscope since this coincides with prevention. When not in use, always keep the microscope covered; the life of a microscope can be extended when it is stored covered. There are available microscope covers but plastic bags can be used as alternative.

Microscopes should be stored in a clean cabinet. Never store it in chemical storage areas because corrosive fumes can destroy the metal parts and can etch the lenses. Moreover, do not store it with eyepiece removed or uncovered and make sure that body tube is sealed all the time. Dust can always accumulate in the body tube and this can be difficult to clean in the long run.

4. Maintaining the microscope. There is always a manual of maintenance when purchasing a microscope. Guidelines and what to do’s are provided and outlined in this manual. Always remember not to exert too much force when performing any maintenance or repair on the microscope since they can be easily broken with excessive force. Different models require different methods of adjustments.

5. Replacing a bulb. Look for bulb replacement instructions on the user manual of the microscope. Incandescent bulbs of the microscope can usually last for 100 hours while fluorescent bulbs can last longer. Allow the bulb to cool before replacing it. Do not touch the bulb with bare hands since fingerprints can burn into the glass; this can shorten the life expectancy of the bulb and reduce its quality.

Following the above steps on proper carrying, use, handling, cleaning and storage are the great ways to prevent major repairs on the microscope. Take note however that proper handling and maintaining of compound light microscope should be accompanied by periodic services by qualified microscope technicians. With all these guidelines, one can be assured that his compound light microscope can last longer than is expected.