The slides Laboratory are one of the most minimalist and increased use any parts research laboratory, it provides a basis for the observation and analysis of samples , which is extremely important in scientific studies.
Due to all the achievements that have been achieved with the help of this piece, the significance of the Laboratory slide was born and with it, the need to know all aspects of it.
What is a Laboratory Slide?
The Laboratory Slide is a thin sheet on which small substances, bacteria, tissues, among other elements are placed, to be analyzed in greater depth using a microscope.
What is done is to seal the samples so that they do not move and to be able to observe them in great detail, using these observation instruments, basically it can be said that it was born as a piece designed for the microscope.
What is a Laboratory Slide for?
Basically the function of this instrument is to be a support for microscopic samples of different kinds, so that they can be observed through the microscope and thus determine a series of particular characteristics, or initiate investigative studies of procedures that occur under this lens. .
In addition, it allows a stable support, without movement, which avoids direct contact with the substance or sample that is going to undergo experimentation processes.
The Laboratory slide will allow the mounting of the samples in a perfect way, so that they can be focused with the microscope , so much so that some consider it as the fundamental piece of this instrument.
How does a Laboratory Slide work?
The operation of the Laboratory slide is extremely simple, since it is a matter of placing the sample on this instrument. This procedure is known in laboratory terms as sample mounting. The steps you must carry out are the following:
- Select the sample and then place it on top of the slide very delicately.
- Place the coverslip on top to be able to completely seal the sample to be observed.
- Take the slide and place it on top of the microscope stage and with the help of the hooks on the sides, hold the slide.
- Ready, you can now visualize the sample with the microscope and make all the necessary observations.
It should be understood that there are two ways to mount the sample on top of the slide:
Dry mounting
In this case, the procedure is exactly the same as what I mentioned earlier. When speaking dry, it means that it is placed directly on the slide and sealed dry, that is, without any fluid.
Fresco mounting
In this case it is the opposite, when placing the sample on the laboratory slide, it is hydrated with water or some other liquid, so that it can be visualized under the microscope.
It is important to know which of the two setups is appropriate when making an observation in the microscope , this is really the first step, as it will define the rest of the experiment.
Uses of the Laboratory Slide
The uses of the laboratory slide are almost exclusively limited to laboratories, whether in the medical, biological, microbiology, histology areas, among others.
That is to say, in all those places that use the microscope to perform the analyzes, such as bioanalysis laboratories, where blood samples or other organic fluids are submitted for their observation, evaluation, control and determination of values and pathologies.
The uses are unlimited and will depend on the destinations for which they are made, since they range from observing a body tissue or embryo, to studies of living microorganisms.
What is certain is that the use of the laboratory slide has been extended to all fields of research and laboratory, to determine the microscopic properties that any element may present.
Types of Laboratory Slides
Although it is difficult to believe , laboratory slides present a diversity of types, since over the years they have become specialized, to the point of knowing exclusive models to fulfill a specific function. Among the main types of laboratory slides we find:
According to the material that composes it;
Plastic Slides
It is a special plastic, since it has to be very resistant and of perfect transparency, so that it can be analyzed with the microscope in the clearest possible way. These slides are born as a way to lower glass costs.
Glass Slides
They were the forerunners, also called glass slides, because their manufacturing material is glass of the highest quality.
Borosilicate Glass Slides
It is a special type of glass in which there is participation of elements such as Boron and silicon for its conformation, giving it special properties among which durability and a perfect finish stand out.
According to the specialization;
Standard slides
They are the ones that have a perfect rectangular design with highly polished finishes and their function is intended for the work and analysis of substances, compounds, elements or other infectious-type material .
Slides with cavities
In this case, they have cavities in their length for analysis, therefore their finishes are thicker. This type of slide is used for the observation and analysis of suspended materials.
Slide with colored lines
This type of slide has bands with a color labeling, ideal for the study of those objects in chromatography.
Special slide
They are those slides that have specific characteristics and dimensions to work with, with the size of certain types of tissues or very thick samples.
Diagnostic slide
It is the one that is used primarily in the health area for the study of antibodies and immunofluorescence , in order to establish diagnoses of different pathologies .
Matte band slides
This is a slide that has the peculiarity of having a matte band at one end to ensure a better diagnosis , observation and analysis of different samples.
Each type of laboratory slide has a specialty, for this reason, it is important that you know each one of them to choose the best one at a given moment or phenomenon.
Laboratory Slide Features
The slide laboratory meet a number of special features that allow establish itself as a laboratory instrument particular. An object that meets the following characteristics can be called a slide:
- It is a very thin sheet in a rectangular shape.
- They are made from three unique materials such as glass, Borosilicate glass and plastic, therefore, it has to be transparent to be reflected in the microscope lens.
- They are accompanied by a coverslip that allows you to completely seal the sample, to prevent it from moving and thus be able to make a detailed observation of it.
- Dimensions tend to be typically 75mm long by 25mm wide.
- It is placed on the stage of the microscopes.
- You have to keep them in dry places, that is, with almost zero humidity.
The laboratory slide is complemented by the microscope, they work in tandem to be able to fulfill all the functions and characteristics that I mentioned. Being necessary for a symmetry between both instruments.
Is the Laboratory Slide the same as a coverslip?
You have to understand that when we hear these two names we have to differentiate them, since they are not the same instrument. The two work synergistically when samples are to be viewed under the microscope , as the slide is the base and the coverslip, as its name suggests, is positioned on top of it, sealing the sample.
In short, one supports the sample and the other covers it, to make it thin so that it can fit perfectly into the microscope .
Importance of the Laboratory Slide
The importance of these elements lies in the fact that they have allowed significant advances in the field of science, in conjunction with the microscope, because without this sheet it would be impossible to observe a given matter in such detail.
This is why it becomes a transcendental piece in those places where microscopic analyzes are carried out , such as laboratories, bioanalysis practices , in the pharmaceutical, medical, microbiological, histology, and parasitology industries, among others.
Born and raised in Brussels in an English family, I have always lived in a multicultural environment. After several work experiences in marketing and communication, I came to Smart Water Magazine, which I describe as the most exciting challenge of my career.
I am a person with great restlessness and curiosity to learn, discover what I do not know, as well as reinvent myself daily, someone who is curious about life and wants to know. I enjoy sharing knowledge.
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