THE MICROSCOPE

THE MICROSCOPE

In parasitology laboratories, microscopic examination is still the most reliable means for evaluating the presence or absence of parasites in biological specimens. Microscopists must have not only specific parasitological knowledge and experience, but must also know the working principles and set-up of light microscopes, in order to get the best results from these instruments. It is also fundamental to know how to correctly maintain a light microscope, to guarantee that its performance does not change over time. Microscope regulation and debugging procedures are only poorly known and are often not correctly performed. According to a survey conducted by Microscopy / Marketing & Education, about two-thirds of operators rarely or never perform the Koehler illumination set up. This simple procedure alone minimizes the probability of observing artefacts, makes microscopic examination easier, and significantly improves the quality of the images. Microscope debugging and maintenance procedures have been described in a simple yet exhaustive manner at the following sites: