How To Carry A Microscope?

The compound light microscope is a precision instrument used extensively in the laboratory. It is important to understand and follow the proper procedure to handle and care for the equipment to avoid damage.

Preparation Before Carrying the Microscope

Before moving your microscope, check with your local microscope representative or customer service center before moving your microscope. First, determine a location that has enough space around the microscope and is close to a power outlet. Make sure to place your microscope on a table or bench that is sturdy, clean, and level.

• Clear the laboratory bench for the microscope.
• Unplug the power cord before carrying the microscope back to its storage location or to a different location.
• Properly prepare the microscope before moving it to the new location.
• Lower the stage to the lowest position before transport.
• Return the objective to the scanning objective (red objective) before moving.
• Remove the slide from the stage prior to carrying.

Proper Hand Placement When Carrying

Always carry the microscope with both hands. When transporting the microscope, hold it in an upright position with one hand on its arm and the other supporting its base. Avoid swinging the instrument during its transport and jarring the instrument when setting it down.

CKX Inverted Microscope

Hold the lower area (a) of the binocular portion and the hand grip (b) at the bottom of the column, or hold the column, and carefully move the microscope to the new location.

CX Upright Microscope

Hold both sides of the arm (a), and carefully carry the microscope to the new location.

SZ51/61 Simple Stereo Microscope

Hold the bottom of the microscope stand with one hand while holding the base column with the other hand. Carefully move the microscope to the new location.

What to Avoid When Carrying

A microscope is a precision instrument, so any sharp movements or impact can set the fine elements of the unit off. Never hold the stage, observation tube, or focusing knob when moving the frame, as this can damage the microscope. Gently place the microscope at the new location so that you do not damage the optics and other delicate components from a sudden or severe impact.

• Never hold the stage when carrying the microscope.
• Never hold the observation tube when moving the frame.
• Never hold the focusing knob when moving the frame.
• Avoid swinging the instrument during transport.
• Avoid jarring the instrument when setting it down.
• Do not attempt to clean the microscope lens or other components yourself during transport preparation.

Choosing a Suitable Area to Move the Microscope

Choose a suitable area to move the microscope. First, determine a location that has enough space around the microscope and is close to a power outlet. Make sure to place your microscope on a table or bench that is sturdy, clean, and level. Once you have removed the dust cover from the microscope if using one, and have plugged the microscope in, arrange the excess cord in a manner that will prevent you from tripping on it and knocking the microscope over.

Setting Up After Carrying

1. Obtain a microscope from the storage cabinet and carefully place the microscope on the laboratory bench.
2. Plug in the power cord.
3. Place the microscope flat on the table.
4. Turn on the microscope and place the slide on the microscope stage with the specimen directly over the circle of light.
5. As a general rule, always start and end with the lowest power objective on the microscope (usually 4x), as it is easiest to focus and center the sample in the image on a lower power.
6. If your microscope is binocular, adjust the interpupillary distance (the distance between the eyepieces) by either sliding or rotating the eyepieces appropriately until you can see only one circle of light with both eyes open.
7. Focus the image by first turning the coarse focus knob. If you can't get it at all into focus using the coarse knob, then switch to the fine focus knob.

Storage After Use

After use, follow the proper procedure before returning the microscope to storage. Lower the stage to the lowest position. Return the objective to the scanning objective (red objective). Remove the slide from the stage. Turn the microscope off. Unplug the power cord and the AC adapter, then secure in the cord holder. Carefully wrap the cords and store them in the microscope. Carry the microscope with two hands. Return the microscope to the cabinet with the arm facing out.

• Some microscope series, such as the SZX stereo microscope series, should only be moved by trained technicians.
• Please call your instructor if you feel a component of the microscope needs to be cleaned.
• Do not attempt to clean the microscope lens or other components yourself.