PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE
FOR MICROSCOPES
Steven Donahue, Gary Solomon & Nick Langione
Alert Scientific, Inc.
E-mail: nicklangione@alertscientific.com
ABSTRACT
Because of the critical importance of microscopes to
members of the NMCA, I will speak briefly on general microscope care and daily
operation maintenance. It is our belief
that if microscopes are not working properly, the critical surveillance
performed by researchers and scientists could be compromised, especially if
specimens cannot be viewed clearly.
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES THAT WE WILL
DISCUSS:
• Disassembling
microscopes to allow thorough cleaning
• Cleaning
and applying fresh lubricant to stage mechanisms
• Checking
accessories (cameras, fluorescent attachments, etc.)
• Checking
instruments and attachments for proper operation
• Thoroughly
cleaning exterior surfaces
• Cleaning
and inspecting all accessible optics, light sources and filters
• Reassembling
microscopes and checking electrical systems
• Checking
and adjusting alignment of entire instrument
• Affixing
calibration stickers and/or preventive maintenance stickers (as applicable; if
eyepiece is calibrated), and explain any malfunctions to client