Sometimes it is difficult to see the confluency of a cell layer in the Culture-Insert. Do you have any suggestions?

When using phase contrast microscopy and small wells, such as those of the Culture-Insert or 96-Well Plates, the meniscus between the air-water interface leads to a strong bending of the surface. This destroys the phase contrast effect everywhere except in the very center of the well.

One solution is to completely and evenly fill up the two wells of the Culture-Insert with cell culture medium. By doing this, you create a planar surface between the medium and the air above the well. Please keep in mind that this might cause cross contamination between the two wells.

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