Apprehensions will be evident on anyone’s face when handling a microscope, anyone who’s a beginner that is.  I remember my first touch on my assigned microscope in a science class, being a beginner, I’m so afraid to break a part. But these apprehensions can be fought back with proper information and guidelines. Young and adults alike can learn from these simple tips on using a microscope.

Usually the first step is to assemble a microscope. Learn the microscope parts before setting it up. Check on the eyepieces, head, light source, objectives and the optical glass. There are those ready to use microscope that will just be plugged in. Plug it and start at low power. Normally, it is plugged in 15 ampere circuit 115 volt; a ground fault circuit interrupt (GFCI) is recommended to prevent any electrical short brought about by accidental liquid spillage.

The next step is to prepare the slide. Put the slide on the stage and place the sample directly over the light in the center of the stage’s glass circle. If you position the specimen in this area, you have a 9 out of 10 chance of having optimal view. You can adjust the course knob and the fine knob afterwards.

Remember to secure the slide with the stage clips. Most beginners ignore the stage clips and this is a wrong move. When moving the slide at high magnification, the stage clips secure the slide in place when you have taken your finger off the slide. A tiny glueyness of your finger due to oil can move the slide and this can lead on loosing the specimen’s view.

Before viewing the sample, take off your eyeglasses if you have any. If what you see is only your eyelashes, you must move closer to the eyepiece. Just remember to close your other eye when viewing the specimen. If you noticed a dark line which goes halfway across the field of the view, you can adjust the eyepiece. This dark line is very useful when you want to indicate something to your teacher or lab partner because it acts as a pointer.

Third step is to turn the objective on the nosepiece until it clicks into place and until the shortest objective (low power) over the slide is achieved. As a beginner, you must always remember the basic rule: Start with a low power objective! Low power objective makes it easier to locate a specimen through the microscope since it provides the widest field of view.

The fourth step is to set the light control. If the microscope has an iris, open it; if none, adjust the diaphragm. Diaphragm is a circular plate which is located under the stage. It controls the quantity of light being utilized on a sample. Smaller amount of light will bring greater detail; it is advisable to settle for less light instead. Just turn on to high power when all settings are configured properly.

Slowly focus your microscope; the microscope can have 2 controls, the fine focus knob and the coarse adjustment. This process may take several tries and don’t be shock upon noticing that the image produced is inverted. If you want to view the specimen upright, move the slide in the opposite direction.

Using the microscope goes hand in hand with taking care of it. Handle the microscope with care. In carrying it, use two hands. Keep in mind that the biggest reason why microscopes break is because they are dropped. It will be good if a table space (which are flat and firm) or a benchtop will be devoted for the microscope to prevent the risk of knocking it off. A case or a cabinet where the instrument will be stored is also advisable. Furthermore, a well lit area with adequate electrical outlets must be considered.

Always keep the microscope clean. Washing one’s hands before using it is an easy yet neglected activity that can contribute to the cleanliness of the microscope.  Piles of dirt and dust can weaken the power of microscope so always use the microscope cover whenever the instrument is not in use. Gentle citrus oil cleaner, a paper towel or moist cloth can be used to clean the surfaces.

Always remember not to touch the microscope lens with your bare fingers. In cleaning the lenses, lens cloth, cotton swabs or lens paper and lens cleaning solutions are the only ones to be used since lens can be easily scuffed and scratched.  Put a few drops of cleaning solution on the lens cloth and gently wipe the lens from the center upwards in a circular motion.

The above methods can be so technical but upon application, it will appear to be very simple. The technique is just to enjoy the microscope. You are just a beginner in using this instrument and having fun with it will make the difference. Just relax and see the whole new different world waiting to be explored by you!