ISO 8037-2:1997

Overview

ISO 8037-2:1997 specifies requirements and test methods for the quality of material, standards of finish and mode of packaging of silicate microscope slides intended for transmitted light microscopy (visible spectrum 400–760 nm). It complements ISO 8037-1 (dimensions, optical properties and marking) by defining acceptability criteria for surface quality, edge finish, chemical durability, packaging and related inspection procedures to ensure safety and reliable performance.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Applies to silicate microscope slides used in transmitted light microscopy (400–760 nm). Focus on user safety (no cut edges), optical performance and packaging integrity.
• Material and surface quality: Slides must be transparent and essentially colourless; permitted slight green edge tint. Tests for cloudiness, haze, pits, seeds, cords, stones, lines, scratches and cracks; observation conditions specified (unaided eye, vision 1.0, diffuse 1500 lux).
• Edge finish and safety: All edges and corners must be finished to avoid cutting hazards. Specific limits: chipped corners not to exceed 1 mm × 0.5 mm; separate AQLs for short and long edges.
• Flatness and thickness: Maximum non‑flatness: 50 μm (76 mm slides) and 25 μm (46 mm slides). Thickness variation tolerances: 50 μm (76 mm) and 30 μm (46 mm); measurement methods defined.
• Surface durability and wettability: Chemical durability tested via solubility tests; wettability and adhesion criteria specified (inspection levels and AQLs).
• Frosted ends and marking: If specified, frosting dimensions and pencil/ink marking requirements are described.
• Residual stress / birefringence: For polarized‑light use, optical path difference limit of 5 nm when measured through the principal plane.
• Sampling and acceptance: Sampling plans reference ISO 2859‑1 (AQLs). Tests are to be performed within six months of packaging; detailed sequence and inspection levels given.

Applications and users

• Manufacturers and suppliers of microscope slides use ISO 8037-2 for product specification, quality control and packaging design.
• Quality assurance and QC labs apply the test methods and AQLs to perform lot acceptance testing.
• Clinical and research laboratories, procurement specialists and instrument manufacturers rely on these standards to ensure slides are safe (no cut edges), optically suitable and properly packaged for transport and storage.
• Regulatory and purchasing agreements: referenced in supplier contracts and conformity assessments (ISO 9000 series conformity may affect sampling needs).

Related standards

• ISO 8037-1: Dimensions, optical properties and marking
• ISO 2859-1: Sampling procedures for inspection by attributes (AQL)
• ISO 4287-1: Surface roughness - terminology
• ISO 11455: Determination of birefringence

Keywords: ISO 8037-2, microscope slides, silicate slides, quality of material, standards of finish, packaging, transmitted light microscopy, AQL, sampling, edge finish, birefringence, wettability.