Precautions and Maintenance of Fluorescence Microscopes
① Operate the fluorescence microscope strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual. Do not arbitrarily change the operating procedures.
② Examinations should be carried out in a darkroom. After entering the darkroom, turn on the power supply of the high‑voltage stabilizer. Wait for 3–5 minutes, then switch on the high‑pressure mercury excitation lamp. Once the mercury lamp is fully lit, stop the excitation startup process before observing specimens.
③ Protect eyes from ultraviolet injury. Lower the protective shield before starting the experiment.
④ Each examination session is recommended to last 1 hour. After 90 minutes, the luminous intensity of the high‑pressure mercury lamp gra
dually decreases and fluorescence fades. The fluorescence of specimens also weakens noticeably after 15 minutes of excitation.
⑤ The excitation unit and high‑pressure mercury lamp of the fluorescence microscope have a limited service life. Specimens should be examined in batches to save lamp working time. Frequent switching of the mercury lamp should be avoided; ideally, do not turn it on and off within 30 minutes.
⑥ Observe stained specimens immediately after staining. Fluorescence will gradually quench if stored for too long. Wrap stained specimens in black paper, place them in polyethylene plastic bags, and store at 4–8°C to slow down fluorescence quenching.
⑦Fluorescence brightness is generally graded into four levels: "−": No fluorescence or only faint autofluorescence visible; "+": Clear but weak fluorescence; "++": Bright fluorescence; "+++": Brilliant, dazzling fluorescence.
