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Rachael, the LabTek Chambered Coverglass is designed for work on an inverted 'scope; you work with a solution in the chamber which can keep the cells alive, and you can change the media (carefully!) during the your observations if you want to.  The upper structure cannot be removed as this would break the thin glass.

The Chamber Slide is built on normal thickness glass, which is strong enough to allow the polystyrene structure to be removed, and then a #1.5 coverslip can be placed over the cells (and a drop of medium) using nail varnish or vacuum grease around the edges to seal it.  The slide can then be observed on an upright or inverted 'scope, but the cells will only live for a short time.  When you remove the polystyrene structure, it is important to check that all of the silicone gasket material comes away, as a piece of this can prevent the coverslip from sitting down properly, so you may not be able to focus on the cells.  

You normally stain and fix before removing the plastic structure, but you have to use a fixative that is compatible with these materials.  Ian 

--------------------------Dr. I.E.G.Morrison       [log in to unmask]
                          Dept.Biological Sciences, University of Essex
                          Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ
--------------------------Tel: 01206-872246           Fax: 01206-872592------------------



-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Rachael Lim
Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 5:15 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: LabTek chambered coverglass vs. chamber slide


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Hi all,

Would like to ask anyone who has used LabTek II's Chambered Coverglass and
Chamber Slide.

I read from the FAQ on their website, that the Chamber Slide's upper
structure is made of polystyrene, which is not compatible with many fixation
reagents; and thus, it is designed for upper structure and gasket removal
before fixing, staining and coverslipping.

However, i found from their comparison chart that the upper structure of
their Chambered Coverglass is also made of polystyrene, BUT the upper
structure is non-removable. Why is it so? Does this mean that fluorescence
staining has to be done elsewhere prior to transfer into the Chambered
Coverglass? And are the two products suitable for fluorescence work with
inverted microscope? I have the impression that Chambered Coverglass is
great for inverted microscope, and Chamber Slide is for upright microscope.

Please advise. Thank you!

Cheers,
Rachael Lim