Smear

Definition

A smear is a thin layer of a specimen spread onto a microscope slide for examination. It is often fixed and stained to improve visibility under a microscope.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Smears are crucial for observing microorganisms in detail.
2. Heat-fixing kills the cells, adheres them to the slide, and preserves their structure.
3. Common stains used on smears include Gram stain and acid-fast stain.
4. Proper smear preparation ensures even distribution of cells without clumping.
5. Smear thickness affects staining results; too thick can prevent proper observation.

Review Questions

Related terms

Staining:

The process of adding dyes to specimens to enhance contrast.

Heat Fixing: A technique that uses heat to kill and adhere cells to a slide.

Gram Stain:

A differential staining technique that classifies bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative.