BISC209: Simple Stains

The Simple Stain

Procedure:
1. Prepare a bacterial smear slide (Find protocol at BISC209: Preparing a bacterial smear slide).

To Simple stain the desired organism(s):
Use the staining trays and sink area. Be sure you evenly cover all the smears on the slide throughout this procedure.

2. Cover the smears completely with any aniline dye solution (most often methylene blue, basic fuchsin, or crystal violet) and stain for 1 minute. Do not use more stain than you need.

3. Tilt the slide at a 45 degree angle (wear gloves or use a slide holder or clothes pin). Rinse the slide in a very gentle stream of water from your water bottle. Direct the stream above the top smear.

4. Drain off excess water by touching the edge of the slide to a paper towel.

5. Blot the slide by putting into between two pieces of Bibulous paper in the packet in your orange drawer. (Don't tear out the sheets.)

5. Examine the slide following the directions in Microscopy: Care and Use of the Compound Brightfield Microscope

Links to Labs

Lab 1
Lab 2
Lab 3
Lab 4
Lab 5
Lab 6
Lab 7
Lab 8
Lab 9
Lab 10
Lab11
Lab 12