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Identification of microorganisms

Prepare a Smear Slide

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Learn how to prepare a bacterial smear slide by following a stepwise virtual lab protocol. Consider factors such as good aseptic technique, sample labelling, using an inoculation loop, drying, fixing, and the protocol order.

Learning outcomes

  • Familiarise yourself with the equipment required to prepare a smear slide
  • Learn the correct technique for transferring the bacteria, spreading the bacteria, and fixing the sample
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Skills

Using Instruments and Equipment

  • What equipment is required to prepare a smear slide 
  • What should be included in the slide label 
  • How and when to sterilise the inoculation loop 
  • Why the sterile loop should not be used to create a smear while it is hot 
  • How to handle the equipment to reduce the risk of contamination
  • How to dry and heat fix a smear slide 

Obtaining and Recording Data

  • What factors affect the distribution of bacteria and quality of the smear 

Working in a Safe Manner

  • How to reduce the risk of burning yourself when flame sterilising the inoculation loop 

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Grace, Biosciences Student at the University of Exeter

"Seeing it in the simulation then the lab made it more familiar and helped me feel like I knew what I was doing. I could make mistakes in the simulation and learn from that first."

Details

Degrees

Biochemistry
Biomedical science
Biological science
Forensic science
Pharmacological science

Modules

Microbiology

Topic

Identification of microorganisms

Purchase option

Bioscience LabSim Library

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