Optimizing Your Sample for the Demonstration

In general, we find that a well-cleaned, standard 1mm glass slide with a #1 cover slip provides the best results.  Oftentimes, it is advantageous to seal your cover slips with clear finger nail polish to optimize your sample image.

PREPARING BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES

Bacteria— To prepare bacterial samples, add 2-10 microliters of an aqueous suspension onto the slide, place a cover slip on the slide, and seal.

Cells—Before the demonstration, allow enough time for cells to grow and mature. We recommend you prepare cells on cover slips. At the time of imaging, add a drop of culture medium onto the slide, and then turn cover slips over onto the slide.  If Labtek chambers are used, be sure to remove chambers before cover slipping.  If cells are growing in suspension, grow your cells on cover slips, add a drop of culture medium onto the slide, and then turn cover slips over onto the slide.

Tissues— For tissue samples, it is imperative that you slice your sample as thinly as possible. While less than 50 microns may be imaged, for premium results, we suggest preparing a sample that is less than 10 microns. Be certain to apply a drop of medium or saline to eliminate air bubbles and then cover slip your tissue sample.

 

PREPARING MATERIAL SAMPLES

Particles—For metals and polystyrene, or other similar materials, apply 2-10 micro liters of an aqueous or oil suspension onto a slide and cover slip.  If in powder form, you must first suspend the sample in water or oil.

Emulsions— Apply a drop or two of emulsion to the slide, then cover slip.  If this is still too concentrated, attempt to dilute the sample in immersion oil.   

Miscellaneous Materials— Other material in bulk form should be sliced as thinly as possible. Apply a drop or two of medium or saline to eliminate air bubbles and then add a cover slip. If you have questions, or need more detail for your specific samples, please feel free to contact any member of our team for further assistance.