What is a Wet Mount?
A wet mount slide is the most common type of slide preparation for microscope work. Wet mount slides are used to view living organisms, as well as liquid substances of all kinds. They are also used for any sort of specimen that needs to be kept moist.
How to make a Wet Mount Slide
To make a wet mount place a sample on the slide. Using an eyedropper put a drop of water on the sample. Place one end of the cover slip on the slide and slowly lower the other end. This will help to prevent air bubbles from getting trapped under the cover slip.
The water should just fill the space between the cover slip and the slide. If there is too much water and the cover slip is floating around, remove some water by holding the edge of a paper towel next to the edge of the cover slip. If there is too little water and some of the space under the cover slip is still dry, add more water by placing a drop right next to the cover slip. A little practice will help you learn how much water to add.
The water should just fill the space between the cover slip and the slide. If there is too much water and the cover slip is floating around, remove some water by holding the edge of a paper towel next to the edge of the cover slip. If there is too little water and some of the space under the cover slip is still dry, add more water by placing a drop right next to the cover slip. A little practice will help you learn how much water to add.
Now it is really important how you place the cover slip on the specimen. The Coverslip must be at a 45 degree angle, and must be lowered slowly to prevent air bubbles.
The picture below helps to show how to lower the cover slip.
The picture below helps to show how to lower the cover slip.
Congratulations! You just created your first wet mount! WHOOHOO!! Need more help? Refer to the picture below
©2012 by AyushiSinhaMicroscopy