Heat Fixing and Staining

1. From an overnight liquid culture, pipet 2-5uL of sample into the center of a microscope slide. Spread across the middle third of the plate and allow to dry.

2. Heat fix once dry by passing the slide through the flame 2-3 times quickly--do not keep over the flame too long.

3. OVER THE SINK, apply a few drops of crystal violet or safranin stain so that the cells are covered. Wait 30 seconds, and rinse gently with water. Blot dry with a paper towel.

4. Image with the 40x objective for best visualization.