coverslip
microscope slide cover glass
coverslips

SDLABIO Coverslip

SDLABIO Coverslip is a key consumable used alongside slides in microscopy. It covers samples, protect the specimen and microscope objective, and enhance image quality. Coverslips are typically made of highly transparent optical glass or quartz, with uniform thickness and a smooth surface. They minimize optical distortion and ensure clarity and accuracy during microscopic observation.

Coverslip For Sale:

18×18/20×20/22×22/24×24/24×32/24×50/24×60.

MOQ: 1 CARTON.  

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Coverslips For Sale

Cat No. Specification CTN Spec Weight CTN Size
GBP-18×18 18×18 100 pcs/box, 10 boxes/aluminum foil, 50 aluminum foils/ctn 9.5 33*20*28
GBP-20×20 20×20 100 pcs/box, 10 boxes/aluminum foil, 50 aluminum foils/ctn 11 33*20*28
GBP-22×22 22×22 100 pcs/box, 10 boxes/aluminum foil, 50 aluminum foils/ctn 12.5 37*20*28
GBP-24×24 24×24 100 pcs/box, 10 boxes/aluminum foil, 50 aluminum foils/ctn 14 37*20*28
GBP-24×32 24×32 100 pcs/box, 10 boxes/aluminum foil, 50 aluminum foils/ctn 19 47*20*28
GBP-24×50 24×50 100 pcs/box, 10 boxes/aluminum foil, 30 aluminum foils/ctn 17 41*20*28
GBP-24×60 24×60 100 pcs/box, 10 boxes/aluminum foil, 30 aluminum foils/ctn 20 47*20*28

Feature of Coverslip

  • Made of high-quality borosilicate glass or ultra-clear glass, offering excellent light transmittance and high cleanliness, ready for direct use without cleaning.
  • Smooth and flat surface ensures uniform sample spreading and adhesion, facilitating clear microscopic observation and imaging.
  • Uniform thickness minimizes optical interference and prevents additional background fluorescence in fluorescence microscopy applications, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
  • High glass hardness provides excellent scratch resistance and reduces the risk of cracks or breakage.
  • Individually sealed packaging with desiccant protection effectively prevents moisture, sticking, oxidation, and corrosion, extending product shelf life.
  • Available in multiple sizes and three standard thickness grades: #1 (0.13–0.16 mm), #1.5 (0.16–0.19 mm), and #2 (0.19–0.22 mm).

FAQ Of glass coverslips

What is the function of a coverslip?

A microscope cover (also called a cover glass slip) serves several important functions in microscopy:

  • Protects the specimen – It shields delicate samples from damage, contamination, or drying out during observation.
  • Protects the microscope lens – Prevents the objective lens from directly touching the specimen or liquid medium, reducing the risk of scratching or contamination.
  • Improves image quality – Creates a flat, uniform surface that reduces optical distortions and allows light to pass through more evenly for clearer imaging.
  • Maintains specimen stability – Holds the specimen in place, preventing movement while under the microscope.
  • Provides consistent thickness – Standardized thickness (e.g., No. 1.5 coverslips ~0.17 mm) ensures proper focusing and optimal resolution with high-magnification objectives.

In laboratory practice, coverslips are often used together with microscope slides, stains, and mounting media to prepare permanent or temporary specimens for observation.

Cleaning cover slips properly is important for clear microscopy results. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Initial Rinse

  • Rinse the cover slip microscope with distilled water to remove dust or loose debris.

  • If oily residues are present, rinse with ethanol or isopropanol first.

2. Detergent Wash

  • Prepare a mild laboratory detergent solution.
  • Immerse microscope cover slip and gently agitate to loosen dirt.

  • Rinse thoroughly with tap water, then with distilled water to remove detergent residues.

3. Optional Deep Cleaning (for stubborn residues)

  • Soak in acid cleaning solution (e.g., 1:1 mixture of concentrated hydrochloric acid and distilled water) or base bath if required by protocols.

  • Always follow lab safety rules: wear gloves, goggles, and work in a fume hood.

4. Alcohol Rinse

  • Dip coverslips in 70%–100% ethanol or isopropanol to disinfect and remove any remaining contaminants.

5. Drying

  • Place on lint-free tissue or drying rack.

  • Alternatively, flame-dry briefly (carefully) or dry in an oven at low temperature.

6. Storage

  • Store cleaned slide covers in a dust-free box or container until use.

For sensitive applications (e.g., fluorescence microscopy or cell culture), a coverslip microscope may also be sterilized by autoclaving or UV irradiation after cleaning.

1. Preparation

  • Choose the right microscope slide cover: Standard thickness is 0.13–0.17 mm (No. 1.5) for high-magnification imaging.
  • Sterilize microscope glass coverslips: Autoclave or soak in 70% ethanol, then air-dry in a sterile environment (biosafety cabinet).

  • Surface treatment (optional): Some cells require enhanced adhesion. Coating coverslips with poly-L-lysine, fibronectin, or gelatin can improve cell attachment.

2. Placement in Culture Vessel

  • Place sterilized microscope coverslip into culture dishes, multiwell plates, or Petri dishes.

  • Ensure they are flat against the bottom to avoid uneven cell growth.

3. Seeding Cells

  • Prepare a single-cell suspension of your desired cell line.
  • Carefully add cells over the cover slides at the appropriate density for your experiment. Too dense: cells overlap and affect imaging. Too sparse: cells may not attach well.

  • Gently swirl the plate to distribute cells evenly.

4. Incubation

  • Incubate cells under standard conditions (e.g., 37°C, 5% CO₂ for mammalian cells).
  • Allow cells to attach for several hours to overnight, depending on cell type.

  • Change or add culture medium as needed without disturbing the microscope cover slips.

5. Monitoring & Growth

  • Check cells under an inverted microscope to ensure proper attachment and spreading.

  • Cells are ready for downstream applications (e.g., staining, immunofluorescence) once they reach the desired confluency.

6. Post-Culture Processing

  • For fixation: gently remove the culture medium, rinse with PBS, and fix cells (e.g., with paraformaldehyde).

  • For staining or imaging: follow your experimental protocol.

Coverslips with polished edges are a special type of cover glass used in microscopy experiments. It undergoes a fine polishing process during the manufacturing process, resulting in a smooth, flat surface with smooth edges and no sharp corners. Compared to ordinary cover glass, polished cover glass has the following characteristics and advantages:

1. High transparency, minimizing optical distortion

  • Polishing creates a smoother, flatter glass surface, minimizing refraction and scattering of light, resulting in clearer images.
  • Under high-magnification or fluorescence microscopes, details of cell structures, tissue sections, and tiny particles are more accurately displayed.

2. Smooth surface prevents sample damage

  • No microscopic scratches or burrs, minimizing the risk of scratching or damaging the sample.
  • This is especially important for sensitive samples such as living cells and tissue sections.

3. Safe Edges for Safer Handling

  • Rounded edges prevent finger cuts and enhance safety during experimental operation.

4. Improved Experimental Reproducibility and Reliability

  • Uniform thickness (typically 0.13–0.17 mm) ensures stable focus and imaging when used with standard microscope objectives.
  • This is particularly important for immunofluorescence, cell culture, and molecular biology experiments, ensuring consistent results.

1. Prepare the Slide and Coverslip

  • Use a clean microscope slide and coverslip.
  • Make sure both are free from dust, fingerprints, or debris.
  • Place your sample (e.g., liquid, cells, tissue section) on the slide.

2. Add Mounting Medium or Liquid

  • Add a drop of water, buffer, or mounting medium over the specimen.
  • Ensure the drop is large enough to cover the area under the coverslip but not excessive.

3. Hold the Coverslip Properly

  • Pick up the coverslip with clean forceps or your fingers by the edges.
  • Hold it at about a 45° angle relative to the slide surface.

4. Lower the Coverslip Slowly

  • Touch one edge of the coverslip glass to the liquid drop first.
  • Slowly lower the rest of the coverslip so it gently comes into contact with the liquid.
  • The liquid will spread and push air out toward the opposite edge.

5. Remove Excess Liquid

  • If any liquid spreads outside the microscope coverslips, blot gently with filter paper or tissue at the edge.
  • Avoid pressing down too hard, which can break the coverslip or disturb the specimen.

6. Tips to Avoid Bubbles

  • Always lower the coverslip at an angle, not straight down.
  • Use enough mounting medium to fill the space under the coverslip.
  • Ensure the slide surface is level and free from dust.
  • For very viscous media, allow a few seconds for air bubbles to escape before imaging.
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