How to Prepare a Compound Microscope Slide

Compound Microscope Viewing Tray with Slide

Using microscopes to view small organisms, molecules and objects is common. Unlike a magnifying glass, microscopes require slides in order to view the tiny specimens under their lenses. Proper preparation of a microscope slide is essential to successfully viewing specimens under a compound microscope slide. A wet-mount slide is commonly used for viewing living organisms and specimens that require water.

Things You'll Need

• Glass microscope slide
• Dropper
• Water or liquid staining solution
• Item to be examined
• Cover slip
• Compound microscope

Instructions

1. Place a clean, dry glass microscope slide on a flat surface.

2. Fill the dropper with water or the liquid staining solution. Some specimens are already in liquid. If that's the case, do not add more liquid, but fill the dropper with the liquid containing the specimen.

3. Place one or two drops in the center of the microscope slide.

4. Place the specimen to be examined in the drops of water or liquid if it is not already there.

5. Holding only the edges of the cover slip, create a 45-degree angle and slowly lower it onto the slide over the drops of liquid. Place one edge down first, and then lower the opposite edge. Do not press down on the cover slip.

6. Holding the edges, place the slide with the specimen and cover slip on your microscope viewing tray.

Tips & Warnings

• Handle the slides and cover slips using only the edges. Fingerprints may cause distortions when viewing the slides. Wet-mount slides are temporary, and they will dry out.

• Use caution when handling toxic substances.

Resources

• Hillsborough Community College