Smear
A smear is the procedure in which a specimen-a body fluid or a discharge-is spread across a glass slide for microscopic examination. To enhance the visualization of microorganisms on the smear, Gram staining (introduced earlier in this chapter) is used. Once the smear is stained, it is ready to be examined under the microscope. Normally, smears are examined style="mso-spacerun: yes"> by laboratory technicians who prepare reports of their findings.

MATERIALS REQUIRED FORSMEAR.-To perform a smear, the following materials are required:

Glass slide

Table 7-3.-Common Bacteria

Microscope
Wooden applicator stick
Saline solution
Forceps
Bunsen burner
PROCEDURE FOR MAKING SMEARS.-To prepare smears for microscopic examination, follow these steps:

1. Spread the specimen with a wood applicator stick across a slide that has been cleaned with alcohol or acetone and polished with lens paper. The smear should be thin and uniformly spread. If the smear is opaque, it is too thick and should be emulsified with a drop or two of saline.

2. Label the smear and circle the material to be stained with a diamond point pen for easier identification and location of the material after staining.

3. Let the smear air dry. Do not use forced heat drying; forced drying will distort bacterial cells and other materials.

4. Hold the smear with forceps and fix the smear by passing it through a flame (smear side up) three or four times. Avoid overheating the smear; overheating will cause cellular wall destruction.

5. Let the slide cool. Once the slide is cooled, it is ready to be stained.