MicroPara

• Anton Van Leeuwenhoek


  Dutch microbiologist, Father of Microbiology, Observed pond water and scrapings from his teeth
• Robert Hooke


  English Scientist, Coined the term "cell", Invented the simplest microscope through illumination principle
• Types of Microscope


  • Simple Microscope
  • Compound Microscope
  • Electron Microscope
• Simple Microscope


  • Simplest type of microscope, Uses concave mirror, Does not contain lamp source
• Compound Microscope


  • Routine microscope used in clinical use, Uses two sets of lenses to obtain higher magnification, Can or cannot contain own lamp source
• Electron Microscope


  • Most advanced microscope, Used for quality control and failure analysis, Used mainly with microorganisms
• Classifying Parts of the Microscope

  • Mechanical Parts
  • Illuminating and Magnification Parts
• Magnification Objectives


  Lenses that further magnifies the microscopic specimens that are not visible to the naked eye
• Magnification Objectives


  • SCANNER (Adds 4X)
  • LOW POWER OBJECTIVE (LPO) (Adds 10X)
  • HIGH POWER OBJECTIVE (HPO) (Adds 40X)
  • OIL-IMMERSION OBJECTIVE (OIO) (Adds 100X)
• Ocular Lens/ Eyepiece


  Lens that is closest to the eyes, Can be 10X or 5X magnification
• Body Tube


  Part of the microscope that houses the oculars/ eyepiece
• Revolving Nosepiece


  Turret-like circular mechanism that holds the objectives
• Stage


  Rectangular platform that exhibits the specimen
• Stage Clips


  Mechanism that keeps the slides in place
• Condenser


  Concentrates light that can be found between the stage and the lamp
• Lamp/ Light Source


  Main illuminating mechanism of the microscope, Can be separated or incorporated in the microscope
• Diaphragm


  • Iris Diaphragm
  • Disk Diaphragm
• Iris Diaphragm


  Disk Diaphragm that constricts or dilates
• Disk Diaphragm


  Rotating disk with holes of different diameters
• Arm


  Bar that supports the upper assembly of the microscope
• Base


  Square or Horseshoe-shaped support of the microscope
• Pivot


  Allows the upper assembly to move in a more comfortable viewing position
• Knobs


  • Course Adjustment Knob
  • Fine Adjustment Knob
• Course Adjustment Knob


  Adjusts the distance between the objectives and the stage
• Fine Adjustment Knob


  Used for sharp and fine focusing of the objects
• Glass Slides


  Rectangular glass materials where the specimens are mounted
• Coverslips/ Cover glass


  Small square-shaped materials that used to cover the specimens after mounting
• Lens Cleaning Solution


  Liquid that is used to clean objectives; makes it free from foreign objects that might interfere in the view
• Lens Cleaning Paper


  Soft material that is used to wipe excess solution from the lens
• Stains


  Solutions that are used to visualize microscopic specimens
• Microscopic Etiquette


  • Carry the microscope in an upright position
  • One hand should be in the base, and one hand in the arm
  • Properly uncoil the lamp cord
  • Always focus first using the scanner position/ Low-power objective (LPO)
  • Always put the prepared slides in the center of the stage
  • Use the coarse adjustment knobs while using lower objectives
  • Use the Fine Adjustment knobs while using higher objectives
  • Always keep both of your eyes open while viewing the specimen
• Specimen Troubleshooting


  • Always keep the diaphragm open
  • Check if there are any obstructions in the objectives, eyepiece, or the stage itself
  • Make sure that the lamp is on
  • Make sure that the specimen is always placed at the center
  • Always clean the lenses before using it. Make sure to use the correct objective cleaning solution to avoid scratches
  • Make sure that the objectives are properly seated
• Image Fading Troubleshooting


  • Make sure that the scope does not require a rubber eyecup for proper viewing
  • Make sure that the specimen is not in the medium that obstructs viewing
  • Watch to see if the body tube or stage is shifting or drooping
  • Check the lamp or cord for short circuits
• Wet Mount Slide


  Slide on which a wet specimen is placed, then covered with a coverslip
• Staining


  Process of enhancing the distinguishing features of the specimen viewed under the microscope
• Nationally Notifiable Parasitic Diseases   

  Cryptosporidiosis

  Cyclosporiasis

  Giardiasis

  Malaria

  Trichinellosis