Buckman LaboratoriesPhotomicrographs

Section:MICROORGANISMS Subsection:METHODS
2 Hanging Drop
Date Composed: 12-19-95 Date Modified:01-18-96

II. Hanging drop

A. Materials

1. Deep-well slide
2. Cover glass
3. Medicine dropper

B. Sealing Material

1. Vaseline or stopcock grease

C. Procedure

1. Rim the edge of the depression in the deep-well slide with a thin layer of sealing material.

2. Place a small drop of the liquid containing the specimen to be examined in the center of a cover glass that is positioned on a flat surface.

3. Invert the deep-well slide and position it over the cover glass so that the drop of liquid is directly in the center of the well.

4. Press the deep-well slide firmly onto the cover glass.

5. With a quick, smooth motion invert the slide. If this step is performed properly, a hanging drop will be formed on the cover glass.

6. The slide is now ready for microscopic examination.

CAUTION: Always begin observations on the low (100 X) objective, and manipulate
carefully when changing to a higher magnification. The objective lens can be severely
scratched if the nosepiece is positioned too closely to the slide when changing to
a higher magnification.