Microscopes in an electron microscope laboratory are built to be within specific tolerances in relation to resolution and magnification. The final specification from the manufacturer should include detail of magnification accuracy, drift rate, contamination rate and resolution, On delivery, the onus is on the installation engineer to confirm that the microscope meets specification. However, the final responsibility for microscope acceptance to specifications is the responsibility of the lab management.. Energy dispersive instrumentation is also specified as to specific resolution; and should also be confirmed on installation.

In some cases, those with final responsibility for equipment performance might not resolve with the manufacturer's representee, at installation, that the instrumentation meets all specifications.