CLINICAL LAB SCIENEC

396
ESSENTIALS OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
In the Lab
A
FIGURE 15-6 Making a smear from a bacterial culture in an inoculated broth or agar slant for staining.
Source: Delmar/Cengage Learning.
B
c. If using inoculated broth or an agar slant in tubes, a sterilized metal loop or a
disposable loop is used to take a loopful of inoculated broth or a small amount
of the organisms from the agar slant (Figure 15-6A and 15-6B).
6. Allow the smear to dry (approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute). If excess water is
used, the time for drying may be slightly longer).
7. Heat fix the slide by using the forceps to hold the slide near the opening of a
bacterial incinerator (Figure 15-7). If a Bunsen burner is available, gently pass the
slide through the flame until the slide has become quite hot.
8. Allow the slide to cool to room temperature.
9. The slide is ready for staining.
10. Discard all supplies used for the procedure in the appropriate containers. A disinfectant
should be used to clean the work surfaces and equipment should be
cleaned and restored to its former position. Gloves should be discarded appropriately
and the hands washed thoroughly in
accordance with established policies.
FIGURE 15-7 Heat-fixing bacterial smear to prevent washing from
slide during staining.
Source: Delmar/Cengage Learning.
Reporting of Results
The slide should be examined for consistency
of the mixture. It is possible to have small
clumps of bacteria present in the water droplet
or the liquid from a broth culture. Excessive
numbers of clumps may interfere with distribution
of organisms and staining patterns, and
require a repeat slide to be made. Smears
should be thin enough as to barely be visible.
After assessing the quality of the smear for
suitability, the slide should then be stained for
microscopic examination (see Procedure #3).
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