This article describes a simple, economical modification of the standard stage insert used on the Nikon TMD, Diaphot and E800 models of inverted microscopes to support slide securely without lateral motion or sample compression. The central portion of the stage on these popular microscopes consists of a removable insert that provides sample support and demarks of the imaging area. The insert may be replaced with holders for a variety of culture chambers and other specialized sample supports. This unique design contributes to the adaptability of these microscopes for a wide range of imaging applications such as confocal microscopy, calcium imaging and electrophysiology.

The standard insert is actually constructed of two pieces, an outer ring and a central plate (Figure 1A). The central plate is removed from the modified ring, which is then used in the inverted position (Figures 1B, 3, 4).