What are inverted microscopes used for? Inverted microscopes are used for observing cells and organisms in culture, in Petri dishes, flasks, microplates, and roller bottles. They are equipped with brightfield and often phase contrast, which allows unstained transparent tissue to be observed more clearly.

The Upright microscope has its objectives opposite of the stage and will image on top of the sample. The inverted microscope has its objectives below the stage and will image from underneath the sample.

With a compound microscope, the transmitted light source and condenser lens are beneath the stage and specimen. In an inverted microscope, the condenser lens and transmitted light source are placed above the specimen while the objective, fluorescence light source, and mirror turret are positioned below.