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(1)
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The slide must be clean.
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(2)
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The slide should be held flat.
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(3)
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The smear should be even. Place a drop of the smear in the middle-right of the slide and spread it evenly using a dissecting knife or a toothpick.
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(4)
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The smear should be thin. Use another slide to spread the smear in a uniform, thin layer by gently pushing it from right to left along the surface of the slide at a 30°-45° angle.
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(5)
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Fixation. Use a chemical fixative or a drying method (for bacteria) for fixation if necessary.
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(6)
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Staining. Use methylene blue for bacteria and Wright's stain for blood. The staining solution should cover the entire smear.
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(7)
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Rinse. Dry the slide using absorbent paper or by heating.
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(8)
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Mounting. For long-term storage, use Canadian balsam to mount the slide.
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