Solid specimen

1. Drop one drop of dH₂O on a clean slide. Pick up sample with a sterile loop and suspend the sample in the water. Spread to 1.5-2 cm in diameter.

Liquid specimen

1a. Drop one drop of sample on a clean slide. Spread to 1.5-2 cm in diameter.

2. Dry the sample by passing slide through a gentle flame. Don't let the slide get too hot.

3. Add 1-2 drop stain (e.g., 0.3% methylene blue or crystal violet). Stain for 0.5-1 minute.

4. Rinse with tap water.

5. Air-dry.

See also Gram stain and Giemsa stain.