How to Prepare Compound Microscope Slides

All students who plan to take courses in biology will work with slides. Many slides are prepared in advance and can be used multiple times. There are occasions where you will need to prepare your own slides, especially when examining living organisms such as blood cells. Slides can be easily mounted, but require a gentle touch. Make sure you know what you are looking for and how much sample is required before beginning to make your own slides.

Things You'll Need

• Slides
• Cover slips
• Water
• Adhesive
• Stain (if necessary)
• Paper towel

Instructions

1. Clean the slide and make sure there are no streaks or water marks on either side.

2. Add a few drops of water (for wet mounts only) and place the specimen on the center of the slide.

3. Add stain to the wet mount if required or add adhesive to create permanent dry-mount slides (if desired)

4. Cover the specimen with the cover slip. Be careful not to trap air bubbles under the slip.

5. Dab off excess water or adhesive with a paper towel and allow the slide to set.

Tips & Warnings

• Handle the cover slip with care. They are quite fragile and will break if you apply too much pressure.

References

• Microscope slide preparation