Operation and Cleaning of Binocular Microscope

1.0    OBJECTIVE:

To lay down a procedure for operation and cleaning of Binocular Microscope.

2.0    SCOPE:  

This SOP is applicable to Binocular Microscope used in Microbiology Laboratory.

3.0    RESPONSIBILITY: 

Microbiologist : To perform the Operation as per SOP.

Head – Quality Control : To ensure the compliance of the SOP.

4.0    PROCEDURE: 

4.1    Operation:  

4.1.1    Connect the plug to main power socket and switch ON the Mains to the Instrument, and switch ON the lamp.

4.1.2    Adjust the intensity of the light by turning the knob provided at base of Microscope.

4.1.3    Adjust the condenser by raising or lowering it. 

4.1.4    Fix the slide in position on the stage.

4.1.5    Turn the low power (10x) objective into position.  Make sure it has clicked into position.

4.1.6    Lower the condenser as low as possible.

4.1.7    Open the iris diaphragm wide.

4.1.8    Gradually raise the mechanical stage till the objective is almost touching the slide.

4.1.9    Then looking through the eyepiece and using the coarse adjustment knob lower the mechanical stage so as to bring the object roughly into focus.

4.1.10    By using the fine adjustment knob bring the object sharply into focus.

4.1.11    Make any final adjustment with the condenser and iris diaphragm.

4.1.12    If the high power objective is to be used, rotate the eyepiece until the high power objective occupies the position of the low power objective.  Then use the coarse and fine adjustment knobs to focus the object.   The light should be adjusted by manipulating the condenser (raising it) and the diaphragm.

4.1.13    If a cover slip is necessary it should be very thin or else it may not be possible to bring the objective close enough to focus the object.

4.1.14    Use of oil immersion lens: 

A.    After focusing the object under low power, turn the eyepiece and put the oil immersion objective in place.

B.    Place a drop of oil (cedar wood) on the slide.

C.    Gradually raise the mechanical stage till the oil drop touches the objective and just flattens it, without touching the object itself.

D.    During this procedure the objective should be viewed from the side with the eyes on level with the slide.

E.    Now look down the ocular and slowly lower the mechanical stage by means

of the coarse adjustment knob until the object is just in view.

F.    Then using the fine adjustment knob bring the object into focus.    

Note : 100 x objective is used only as an oil immersion lens.

.2    Cleaning:  

4.2.1    Before using check that the objectives, eyepieces and all external parts of     the 

Microope are clean. 

4.2.2    Wipe the surfaces of the Microscope with lint free duster.

4.2.3    Wipe the underneath portion of the oil immersion lens with a fast absorbing tissue paper or cloth before and after using the lens.

4.2.4    Record the Usage and cleaning details in 

Microscope, cleaning, microbiology