Wear Gloves: Always handle the quartz coverslip with clean, lint-free gloves to avoid contaminating the surface with oils or dirt from your hands.
Avoid Scratches: Be careful to avoid scratching the surface of the coverslip, as any imperfections could scatter light and affect the accuracy of your measurements.
Safe Storage: Store the coverslip in a protective case or a clean, dust-free environment when not in use. This will prevent scratches and keep it free from contaminants.
Visible Damage: Replace the quartz coverslip if it shows any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or scratches, as these can significantly impact the quality of your fluorescence measurements.
Persistent Contamination: If the coverslip cannot be adequately cleaned or if residues persist that cannot be removed, it should be replaced to avoid compromising your experiments.