1. How can I prepare a microscope slide?

2. Microscope Slides
Microscope slides are pieces of transparent glass or plastic that hold a sample we can look at with a microscope. There are different types of samples, so the way we prepare a slide depends on the nature of the specimen. Three of the most common ways are wet mounts, dry mounts, and smears.

3. Wet Mount Slides

4. Wet Mount Slides To prepare a wet mount:
Wet mounts are used for living samples, transparent liquids, and aquatic samples. A wet mount is like a
sandwich. The bottom layer is the slide. Next is the
Liquid sample. A small square of clear glass or plastic (coverslip) is placed on top of the liquid to minimize evaporation and protect the microscope lens from exposure to the sample.
To prepare a wet mount:
1. Place a drop of fluid in the middle of the slide.
2. Place one side of a coverslip at an angle, so that its edge touches the slide and the outer edge of the drop.
4. Slowly lower the coverslip, avoiding air bubbles. If the liquid drop is too large, the coverslip will float on the slide, making it hard to focus on the subject using a microscope.

5. Dry Mount Slides

6. Dry Mount Slides To prepare a dry mount:
For dry mount slides, the size of the object isn't important. Some samples are covered with a cover slip and some are not. But the sample needs to be very
thin and as flat as possible. It may be necessary to use a knife or razor blade to shave a section of sample.
To prepare a dry mount:
1. Place the slide on a flat surface.
2. Use tweezers or a forceps to place the sample on the slide.
3. Place the coverslip on top of the sample. In some cases, it's okay to view the sample without a coverslip. If the sample won't stay on the slide, it may be secured by painting the slide with clear nail polish immediately before adding the specimen.

7. Blood Smear Slides

8. Blood Smear Slides To prepare a blood smear:
Some liquids are either too deeply colored or too
thick to view using the wet mount technique.
Blood is prepared as a smear.
Evenly smearing the sample across the slide makes it possible to distinguish individual cells. While making a smear isn't complicated, getting an even layer takes practice.
To prepare a blood smear:
1. Place a small drop of a liquid sample onto the slide.
2. Take a second clean slide. Hold it at an angle to the first slide. Use the edge of this slide to touch the drop. Evenly draw the second slide across the surface of the first slide, creating a smear. Its not necessary to apply pressure.
3. At this point, either allow the slide to dry, so that it can be stained or place a coverslip on top of the smear.

9. Let’s prepare our own slides!

10. Plant Cell

11. Animal Cell

12. Plant Cell
Animal Cell