Safety Tips in Microscopy Pt.1

There is a ton of articles and instructions for taking precaution steps when handling solvents and stains. Much less is discussed when it comes to taking precautions about handling organisms themselves. Below is general advice to adhere to when handling samples that contain microorganisms.

Image: http://www.fscjinstituteforfoodsafety.org/

1. Open wounds:
Do not handle microorganism-containing media if you have open wounds or cuts in your skin.

2. Disinfection:
Always disinfect hands and surfaces with an anti-bacterial cleaning agent.

3. Disposal:
Autoclave the used culture medium at 120°C for 30 minutes. This should also be able to kill spores. If you do not have an autoclave available, then cover the petri-dishes or culture medium with chlorine bleach. Allow sufficient time for these substances to work. When you add bleach, be aware that this is a corrosive substance when concentrated. Eye and skin contact must really be avoided.

4. Avoid Aerosolization:
Some microorganisms spread over air. Avoid spillage of the culture medium and carefully add the disinfectant to the medium before disposal, avoiding splattering of the liquid.

5. Keep Bacterial Counts Low:
Make sure that the sample (such as a hay infusion) contains many ciliates that consume the bacteria. Keep the level of nutrients low to avoid too many bacteria from forming and ensure that the medium has sufficient oxygen supply for the ciliates to grow.

Keep petri dishes closed and sealed. This minimizes the risk of accidentally touching the agar surface, which may be covered by bacterial colonies. Being aware of your work space and the risks of the chemicals used can reduce the possibility of you encountering risks from working with bacteria specimens.

Image: http://www.fscjinstituteforfoodsafety.org/

Images Using OMAX Binocular Stereo Microscopes

Finding fun things to view with your stereo microscope is easier than you might think. If you simply walk around your house or outside in the back yard you can find an endless supply of interesting samples for microscope viewing. Below are some low powered magnifications taken with some of our binocular stereo microscopes, enjoy!


Taken with Model: G223B


Taken with Model: G225AL


Taken with Model: XV321HL54P


Taken with Model: XG327HL54P


Taken with Model: XG327HL54P

Gemology: Diamonds

Diamonds are one of our links between the world back then and the world now. We don't know if they truly are forever but we do know that they have been in existence a very long time.

Diamonds are made of carbon atoms that are formed into a tightly packed structure with extreme heat, pressure, and oxygen conditions. Most diamonds form in the earth's crust or mantle but some deeper down. Under the earth's crust they form as impact diamonds under the deep earth. due to mass pressure. The redox reaction of CO2 or Methane forms diamonds. The complex pattern of diamonds could take anywhere from 3 billion years to form in the earth's mantle and brought so the earth's surface through magma.

Shop Jewel Gem System Microscopes here

OMAX MicroscopeNet Facebook Promotion

We at MicroscopeNet are hosting our first ever Facebook promotion where you can enter for your chance to win a microscope just by "liking" our Facebook page!

Here's how to enter to win:
Step 1: Like Microscopenet on Facebook, then go to "Enter To Win" tab.
Step 2: Once you have completed an Enter Form, then you must submit your Entry Form at our Facebook page.
Step 3: Share this event with your friends, and you can get 1 bonus entry every time a friend enters!  

If you are the lucky winner you will have the choice of one of our two most popular models below. No return for cash value. You are entitled to our 5 year warranty on the microscope you win. Free UPS ground shipping for continental US and Canadian address. AK,HI, and where UPS Ground does not reach, and international winner will have to pay for the extra shipping fee.

You can choose from the:
1) Binocular Stereo Microscope with Dual LED Lights

• Plug and see, no special knowledge needed
• High quality optical glass elements
• Three magnification levels: 20x, 40x & 80x
• 45°inclined 360°rotatable binocular head
• Dual LED lights (upper and lower)
• LED light lifetime: 100,000 hours
• Long working distance
• Sharp stereo erect images over a wide field view
• Diopter adjustment on left ocular-tube
• Adjustable inter-pupillary distance
• 90°rotational objective
• Locked-in eyepieces
• Tool-free focus knob tension adjustment
• Metal stand and framework

2) Compound Binocular Biological Microscope with Replaceable LED Light

• 8 levels of magnification: 40X-80X-100X-200X-400X-800X-1000X-2000X
• Replaceable 3W LED transmitted light with adjustable intensity
• 45 degree inclined 360 degree swiveling binocular viewing head
• Large double layer mechanical stage with NA1.25 Abbe condenser & iris diaphragm
• Coaxial coarse & fine focus knobs with tension control

Click here to "like" our Facebook page

Illumination Types for Microscopes

• Tungsten – the least expensive method, and the most common on low-end scopes, tungsten illuminators use standard incandescent light bulbs. They are relatively bright, but they produce a yellowish light and considerable heat. In particular as the light is dimmed, it shifts further toward orange. This warm color balance can obscure the true colors of specimens. The heat produced by the incandescent bulb may kill live specimens and quickly dries out temporary wet mounts made with water. Lamp life is relatively short.

• Fluorescent – costs a bit more than tungsten, and was quite popular before the advent of LED illuminators. Fluorescent illuminators provide bright light that appears white to the human eye, but is actually made up of several different discrete colors that are mixed to appear white. Accordingly, color rendition can differ significantly from the true color rendition provided by daylight. Fluorescent bulbs emit much less heat than incandescent bulbs, and so are well suited to observing live specimens. Some fluorescent illuminators are battery-powered, but most use AC power. Lamp life is relatively long.

• LED – priced about the same as fluorescent illuminators, LED illuminators have become very popular, largely replacing fluorescent illuminators. LED illuminators have the same color-rendition problems as fluorescent illuminators, but are otherwise ideal for many purposes. LED illuminators draw very little power and emit essentially no heat. Their low power draw means they’re the best choice for a battery-powered microscope, and are ideally suited for portable microscopes that can be used in the field. Lamp life is essentially unlimited.

• Quartz-halogen – the most expensive type of illuminators  and the one preferred by most scientists. They provide a brilliant white light needed for work at high magnification that reveals the true colors of specimens. Unfortunately, quartz-halogen lamps also produce more heat than any other type of illuminators  Their high power draw means they are AC-only. Lamp life is relatively short.

Microscope Maintenance

Routine optical and mechanical maintenance of compound microscopes can ensure that your microscope works well for many years to come. Periodic microscope servicing by a qualified microscope technician is recommended. Compound microscopes should generally be serviced after about 200 hours of use. For most schools, this would be about every three years, possibly more frequent if the microscope is used multiple times each day.

Handling and Storage

Most microscope problems occur as a result of mishandling. When carrying the microscope, always hold it by the base and the metal support arm. If you will be traveling with your microscope frequently from one location to another you might consider purchasing a microscope carrying case. Aluminum cases work best for protecting your microscope in case it falls or tumbles while in transport.

When the microscope is not in use keep it covered with the dust cover. This alone will extend the life of your microscope. Even if the microscope is stored within a cabinet, you should still cover it with the dust cover. Do not store a microscope without any eyepieces, even if it is covered. This can allow dust to collect within the eye tubes, which can be difficult to clean. If the microscope eyepieces must be removed, simply cover the tubes with caps or a plastic bag with a rubber band around the eye tube.

Try to always store your microscope in a cool, dry place. 

Mechanical Maintenance

Each microscope should come with a user's manual. If it did not with a manual in the packaging you can download the manual on the company website. Always consult your user's manual before making any adjustments to your microscope. Avoid using excessive force when performing any maintenance on your microscope. This can damage metal parts in the microscope or strip the parts of their binding. 

Microscope Diagram Nose piece Adjustment

The microscope nose piece can sometimes become loose. Generally there is an adjustment mechanism on the nose piece. A simple loosening or tightening of the slot-headed screw in the middle of the nose piece should generally resolve this problem. Check your microscope's manual for complete instructions on how to adjust it.

Cleaning Your Microscope

Caring for your microscope is essential to keep all the components working smoothly and maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of your microscope will help ensure clear visibility when looking through your eyepiece. 

It is best to only clean the eyepiece when needed. Use the proper cleaning materials which can be purchased on our website under the accessories category or from another independent retailer. If your eyepiece needs cleaning you can dip your cloth into an alcohol solution to remove stubborn spots.

The eyepiece and objective lens can obtain build up easily from use. If your objective lens is also dirty you can clean it with lens paper dipped into a diluted ammonia solution. Place a few drops of ammonia into about 1/2 cup of water. 

To ensure you will not scratch your eyepiece(s) or lenses refrain from using anything other than a special lens cleaning cloth or tissue. Do not use your finger nails to try to remove any spots or debris.
Click here to browse our selection of cleaning tissue. 

Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscopes

Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscopes are amazingly useful for lab research and hobbyists alike. With the third tube in place, you can easily hook up with the usb camera to your TV or PC monitor.  No mather what you're inspecting for, coin, rocks, or gems our selection of trinocular stereo microscopes won't disappoint. Stereo Microscopes are practical for all levels of observations.  They are a delight for gemologists, jewelers, collectors, and even hobbyists. We recommend our Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscope with 8W Fluorescent Ring Light and 9.0 MP Camera on sale now for $725.99! It's great for larger specimens because it comes with a table stand and can easily be connected to your laptop for still and live image recording.  Product Features Include: High quality optical glass elements 2 pairs of widefield eyepieces (10X and 20X) 0.5X auxiliary objective lens provides larger field of view and longer working distance 8W fluorescen ring light provides shadowless illumination 9.0 MP digital camera

How to Focus a Microscope

Focusing your microscope is the key to getting the clear image quality you expect out of your microscope. When first looking at a specimen, the item will almost always never be focused. Learning how to focus your microscope is the essential step to assure proper observations and results. 

Here a five easy steps for focusing your microscope:
1. Place prepared slide underneath the viewing tray of the microscope and secure with clips 

2. Look through your eyepiece and determine if you can see the specimen. The specimen may be fuzzy and/or unrecognizable.

3. Turn the coarse focus knob slowly. Continue turning the coarse focus knob until the specimen becomes recognizable.

4. Next slowly turn the fine focus knob until the image becomes sharper and clear. At this point small details about the the specimen should be crystal clear. 

5. Adjust the diaphragm of the microscope to ensure the entire specimen is in your peripheral view. 

More on Darkfield Microscopy

Darkfield microscopy requires a special stand containing a reflective mirror and light shielding plate at a specific angle. The inverted hollow cone is projective of the desired image at an oblique angle. This process is the same for both stereo microscopes and standard compound microscopes. 

Good specimens for darkfield microscopy are those close in value to their background images. Small aquatic organisms and cells are ideal for such microscopic lighting technique. Specimens preferred for use with brightfield lighting are not recommended. Other ideal specimens for darkfield microscopy under a stereo microscope include bones, fibers, yeast, and hairs.

Illumination from brightfield lighting involves blocking out central light rays along the central axis. Blocking these rays allows for only oblique angled rays to strike the specimen resulting in a hollowed cone illumination of the desired specimen.

In darkfield lighting, contrast is greatly enhanced by the lighting technique at hand. Highly oblique light rays, diffracted by the specimen and yielding first, second, and higher diffracted orders at the rear focal plane of the objective, proceed onto the image plane where they interfere with one another to produce an image of the specimen.

We recommend our 1600X Darkfield Compound 9MP Digital Siedentopf PLAN Microscope
with 4 PLAN objectives and darkfield condenser. 

Featured Product: Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscope

This week we are featuring one of our top selling microscopes..
Our 7X-45X Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscope with Dual Lights includes a 5.0 Megapixel Camera and software compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7. The included software can be used to make measurements on your PC. The 2592 X 1944 pixels from the USB digital camera can capture both still and live images on your computer, making this microscope ideal for live specimen analysis and laboratory observations.

This microscope includes an adjustable barlow lens that can extend the working distance up to 6.25" long and the field of view to be as wide as 2.38" long. This microscope also includes dual halogen lights with adjustable intensities.  This microscope is ideal for biological research labs, engravers, watchmakers, gemologists, jewelers, collectors, and those in electronic related industries. 

This microscope is also easily customizable as well. You can add a darkfield stage for darkfield observations. A boom stand and gooseneck light for a larger work space. You can also add different eyepieces, lights, and cameras. The possibilities are endless with the Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscope. 

Shop Microscope now: Click here

Advantages of Purchasing a Digital Microscope

Digital microscopes have helped simplify scientific observation and research in modern times. A digital microscope is generally a compound or stereo microscope with a built in digital camera that is compatible with a PC or TV. The images are projected onto the monitor and can even be saved as JPEG and video files on a computer. These data saving options are great for extensive research and referencing. 

The main advantage of a digital microscope, is that is is suitable for educational purposes. Many students in various fields such as biology, chemistry, and medicine can view specimens from a digital camera hooked up to their home computer. This is a great time saver and also ensures that research results are more accurate because they can cross-reference their research findings with live and still images.  Students can recall the image later to describe it in greater detail for an observation report. 

Another advantage to using a digital microscope, is that it allows for researchers and students to print images from their microscope and use them for projects and research both in the lab and in the classroom. 

For students we recommend our Digital Compound Microscope with 1.3 MP Camera. This a great starter microscope for students at a freshman and sophomore level. 

For professionals, we recommend our Trinocular Metallurgic Microscope with 2.0 MP Camera. This microscope is ideal for metallurgical and electronic industries. 

7 Tips for Purchasing a Microscope

1. Avoid Purchasing from a Chain Retailer: It is not advised you purchase a microscope from a nature store and/or toy store. These are almost always poor quality and are not intended for actual professional grade use and observations. Try to get a microscope at a student or professional level. 
2. Try to Avoid Plastic Parts : It is ok if some digital microscopes have plastic screens and attachments but do try to refrain from purchasing a microscope with mainly plastic parts. Especially a plastic frame, eyepiece, and stage. 
3. Try to Keep your budget above $200.00 USD: Generally speaking, $200-$400 USD is a fair price for a student microscope or beginner microscope. Look for frames, focusing systems, and stands to be made of quality materials.
4. Look for Separate Course and Fine Focus Features: Look for a microscope with both coarse and fine focus settings, this will provide better clarity and image quality when using an attachable USB digital camera hooked up to a PC or TV.
5. Look for Halogen Lighting: Halogen lighting is ideal for its clarity and noticeable brightness. 

6. Look for Glass Lenses: Glass plan optics are of greater quality and are suitable for professional and lab use. Semi-plan lenses are idea for schools, students, and hobbyists.
7. Consider a Mechanical Stage: A mechanical stage allows for easier movability and can handle a larger project and/or specimen. Mechanical stages are essential for medical and laboratory microscope work. 

A great beginner microscope at a reasonable price is our Industrial Inspection Monocular Microscope Zoom 7x-90x.


Product Features Include:

• Height adjustable holder ready for attaching ring light
• High definition images
• High quality eyepieces
• Ready to connect to USB digital camera
• Zoom lenses 7x~90x, crystal clear at any point
• Long working distance allow enough lighting options
• Sharp images over a wide field view
• Metal stand and framework
• Product GS and CE approved
• Manufacturer in business 30+ years

Jewel Gem Microscopes

Jewel Gem microscopes are utilized by gemologists and gem enthusiasts alike. Although correct filters and a quality refractive index fluids will allow you to identify a gemstone by their internal characteristics and optic characteristics.

A microscope useful for gemology will need to have the following properties..

• 10X-80X Magnification
• Adjustable Illumination
• Darkfield Lighting Option
• Zooming Objective Lens
• Widefield Eyepieces

Other additional features that are useful to gem identification include LED lights and gooseneck lighting for maximum work space utilization. 

Our professional gem jewel darkfield stereo microscope is ideal for commercial gemologists.Click here to view product. 

Boom Stand Stereo Microscopes

A stereo microscope is a very practical microscope and certainly a great starter microscope for students and beginners. It is ideal for dissecting or low power magnification views of specimens. 

Stereo microscopes with a boom stand are ideal for industrial inspection. Boom stand microscopes include single and dual armed stands or articulating arms usually averaging 20-50 pounds in weight. The benefits of having a microscope with an articulating arm are that you can move the microscope to just about any area of your work space for technical projects that require a larger work surface.

The main benefits of a boom stand microscope are:

• Extra work space
• Simple to use
• Increased working distance
• Increased field of view

Check out our Boom Stand 3.5-9.0X Binocular Zoom Microscope with 54 LED Light

Inspection Microscopes

Inspection Microscopes

Inspection microscopes offer a wide field system. Our model comes with a USB digital camera that can be used with a TV and/or computer. These microscopes are good for labs, gemologists, and engravers. They are also useful in semiconductor and manufacturing industries.

OMAX 3D Rotary Inspection Microscope

This microscope has many useful features including:

• ·         A bright LED ring light
• ·         A 360 degree panoramic view with 3-D inspection
• ·         A wide field view of specimen
• ·         A view of live and still images
• ·         A built in camera; no computer and/or TV hookup is needed

With this microscope you have many options for views and settings. You can slide the attachments in and out for a 2-D and 3-D view.  It also allows you to have live or still slide viewings of organisms.  You can also have side by side comparisons on one screen, which is ideal for lab research and observation purposes. 

Check out our 3 dimensional rotary inspection microscope with 7:1 Zoom capability

Model No: PD512VGA

Shop Now: http://bit.ly/12ZvGZn

Selecting a Stereo Microscope

To select a stereo microscope you must consider these seven factors before deciding on which one is right for you. Keep in mind your specific microscope needs and/or wants prior to making your selection. Different fields of microscopy require different setting options, magnifications, and technical pieces and added accessories. 

1. Magnification

2. Zoom power

3. Eyepieces

4. Illumination

5. Lens Quality

6. Light Source

7. Accessories

Shop Stereo Microscopes: http://bit.ly/UotSp2

Read more on selecting a Stereo Microscope: http://bit.ly/14Ao11V