The prepared microscope slides supplied by Southern Biological are made to exacting standards by specialists in the field.  With proper care, your slides will last for many years.  To protect your investment, we recommend the following:

Avoid Putting Pressure on the Coverslip

The resins used in attaching the coverslip remain semi-fluid and harden only at the edges of the coverslip.  Vertical pressure can crush the specimen and may break the coverslip.  Lateral pressure can dislodge the coverslip.

Store Slides Horizontally Away From Heat and Light

Whole mounts should be stored horizontally with the coverslip facing upwards.  Some whole mounts contain small specimens that can drift to the edge of the coverslip if stored vertically.  Also, slides stored vertically in warm conditions can leak resin from beneath the coverslip.  Prolonged exposure to bright light may cause fading of stains.

Handle and Clean Slides Carefully

Handle slides carefully at the edges to keep them clean.  If cleaning becomes necessary, use a soft, lint free cloth or paper tissue to wipe the surface.  If required, acidified alcohol (70mL ethyl alcohol, 29mL water, 1mL conc HCl) may be used as a cleaning solvent.

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Click here to download these instructions (new window, 0.1M, pdf)