In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Becker lab at UNE has been taking extra precautions on microscopes and hard to clean surfaces that are used by multiple people in the lab to prevent the spread of disease. These precautions include designating a single person for tasks, sanitizing the eye pieces with 70% ethanol before and after use, and waiting 72 hrs between users when possible. However, there still have been situations where two individuals need to use the microscope in quick succession. We’ve found that covering the ocular lenses with Clingwrap or any kind of plastic wrap provides an addition level of protection without sacrificing functionality or quality of the image. The plastic wrap can then be changed quickly between users. In addition to disinfection, this tool may provide additional protection and expand the use of shared equipment found in both research and teaching laboratories.
Kathleen Becker, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor