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Removable parts in a microscope that need replacement include objectives, eyepieces, light bulbs, fuses. In case of repair/ technical support, only competent agency that handles maintenance of instruments should be contacted. Laboratory personnel should never attempt to dismantle any part of the microscope for repair.

Some of the common technical problems encountered, their likely causes and solutions are given in the table below.

Problems

Likely causes

Solutions

The viewing field is too dim

Condenser is too low
Condenser iris diaphragm is closed

Raise condenser to correct its position
Open the diaphragm properly

Dark shadows in the field that move as you turn the eyepiece

Surface of eyepiece is scratched
Eyepiece is dirty    

Replace the eyepiece
Clean the eyepiece

Image with the high-power objective is not clear

Slide is upside down   
There is an air bubble in the oil
There is dirt on the objective           

Turn the slide over.
Move 100x lens quickly from side to side
Clean the lens

Image with the low-power objective is not clear

There is oil on the lens
There is a layer of dust on the upper surface of the objective

Clean the lens
 

Mechanical stage is not moving, too stiff or does not stay up

Poor tension adjustment on the mechanical stage
Solidified lubricants

Adjust tension with adjustment knob
Needs service

           

In case, the viewing field is still dim and cloudy, consider the following possible causes and contact the competent personnel for cleaning/ repair:

  • Massive growth of fungus on the lenses or prisms due to storage in a high-humidity environment
  • Penetration of immersion oil between the lenses of the objective
  • A damaged objective (as a result of careless focusing, dropping, rough changing of slides).

Resources

1.    

Module for Laboratory Technicians

2.    

Laboratory diagnosis by sputum smear microscopy

 

Assessment

Question

Answer 1

Answer 2

Answer 3

Answer 4

Correct answer

Correct explanation

Page id

Part of Pre-test

Part of Post-test

What is the possible cause for dark shadows in the field?

 

The scratched eyepiece or dirty eyepiece

 

Broken lens

Solidified lubricants

Stage stuck

1

Dark shadows in field appear due to a scratched eyepiece or dirty eyepiece.

 

 

Yes

Yes
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