SOP for Operation and Cleaning of Microscope

1.0 Purpose

To lay down a procedure for operation and cleaning of the microscope (Carl Zeiss Axiostar plus).

2.0 Scope

This procedure is applicable to the Microbiology Laboratory.

3.0 Responsibility

Microbiologist

4.0 Accountability

Head of Department

5.0 Procedure

5.1 Operating procedure

5.1.1 Switch on the instrument by using ‘ON /OFF’ switch.
5.1.2 The green LED integrated ‘ON /OFF’ switch lights up, to indicate that the instrument is ready for operation.
5.1.3 Set the required brightness through brightness control.
5.1.4 Position the slide on the stage with the sample to be observed on the upper surface of the slide.
5.1.5 Adjust the slide to bring into the exact center of the light source.
5.1.6 Low magnification objective lens shall be focussed first followed by high magnification lens on the center of the sample.
5.1.7 Turn the coarse adjustment knob to adjust the stage.
5.1.8 While observing through the ocular bring the object into focus by adjusting with the coarse knob. By using fine adjustment knob, focus the sample for better resolution.
5.1.9 Adjust the diaphragm lever to reduce or increase the light intensity to produce the clear and sharp image.
5.1.10 Once the image is visible, adjust the slide for the targeted item in the image.
5.1.11 To proceed from low power to high power magnification, rotate the high power objective into position.
5.1.12 Make a minor adjustment with the fine adjustment knob to sharpen up the image, if necessary.
5.1.13 Whenever the objective to be observed under oil immersion, place one-drop immersion oil or require quantity after it is focussed with magnification. Then bring the oil immersion lens (100 X) into position.

5.2 Attaching Photomicrography Equipment

5.2.1 The Axiostar plus microscope with phototube can be changed from observation to photomicrography via control knob attached to both sides of the phototube turn counter-clockwise until stop.
5.2.2 Attach the camera to the camera port of the Axiostar plus microscope.
5.2.3 While observing through the ocular lens bring the object into focus by turning the coarse knob. By using fine adjustment knob, focus the sample for better resolution.
5.2.4 For taking photograph click the camera.
Related: SOP for Calibration of Microscope

5.3 Care and Maintenance

5.3.1 Cover the instrument with the dust cover after use.
5.3.2 Cover open tubes with dust protection caps.
5.3.3 Remove dust and dirt from the visible optical surface using a brush or a cotton cloth.
5.3.4 Remove water-soluble dirt with a dust free cotton cloth.
5.3.5 Remove stubborn, oily or greasy dirt with a swab of cotton or a dust-free cotton cloth dipped in the optics cleaning mixture.
5.3.6 Store the Axiostar plus in the bright, dry and well-ventilated room.
5.3.7 Store particularly sensitive components and accessories, such as objectives and eyepiece, in the dry closet.
5.4 Record the usage log into instrument usage log book.
Related: SOP for Cleaning and Maintenance of Microscope

6.0 Abbreviations

SOP - Standard Operating Procedure
LED - Light-emitting diode

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