Operation, Cleaning and Calibrating Procedure for Microscope

1. OBJECTIVE
To lay down the procedure for Operation, cleaning and Calibration of Microscope

2. SCOPE
This procedure is applicable to Microbiology Laboratory

3. RESPONSIBILITY
• Microbiologist

4. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• N/A

5. PROCEDURE
5.1 Operating Procedure
5.1.1 Switch “ON” the instrument by using ON/OFF switch.
5.1.2 Set the required brightness through brightness control.
5.1.3 Position the slide on the stage with the sample to be observed on the upper surface of the slide.
5.1.4 Adjust the slide to bring into exact center of light source.
5.1.5 Low magnification objective lens shall be focus first followed by high magnification lens on the center of sample.
5.1.6 Turn the coarse adjustment knob to adjust the stage.
5.1.7 While observing through the ocular bring the object into the focus by adjusting with coarse knob. By using fine adjustment knob, focus the sample for better resolution.
5.1.8 Adjust the diaphragm level to reduce or increase the light intensity to produce the clear and sharp image.
5.1.9 Once the image is visible, adjust the slide for targeted item in the image.
5.1.10 Make a minor adjustment with the fine adjustment knob to sharpen up the image, if necessary.
5.1.11 Whenever the objective to be observed under oil immersion, place one drop immersion oil or required quantity after it is focus with magnification. Then bring the oil immersion lens (100X) in to the position.

5.2 Cleaning Procedure
5.2.1 Remove dust and dirt from visible optical surface using a brush or a cotton cloth.
5.2.2 Remove water-soluble dirt with the dust free cloth.
5.2.3 Remove stubborn, oily or greasy dirt with a swab or cotton or dust free cotton cloth dipped in the optics cleaning mixture.
5.2.4 Store particularly sensitive components and accessories, such as objectives and eye piece, in the dry closet.
5.2.5 Cover the instrument with dust free cover.
5.2.6 Cover the open tubes with dust protection cap.

5.3 Calibration Procedure
Frequency: Yearly once
5.3.1 Place the stage micrometer (least count 0.01mm) on the slide holder (stage).
5.3.2 Replace the eyepiece of microscope with oculometer.
5.3.3 Fix the first mark of oculometer with the first mark of stage micrometer using the different magnifying lens (10x, 40x and 100x).
5.3.4 Calculate the least count of oculometer using the formula given below for each x of objective.
5.3.5 Least count of oculometer (µm) = No. of mark of stage micrometer x 0.01 x 1000/No. of marks of oculometer matched with stage micrometer

6. RELATED DOCUMENTS
Operational Log Book of Microscope – Annex-I
Cleaning Log Book of Microscope – Annex-II
Calibration Log Book of Microscope – Annex-III

7. DISTRIBUTION INDEX
Original Copy will be retained by Quality Assurance Department.

8. ABBREVIATIONS
N/A

9. REVISION HISTORY