How to Heat Fix a Microscope Slide

A video lesson demonstrating how to heat-fix a microscope slide prior to staining. The fixation procedure sticks the bacteria to the slide so that they don't wash off during the staining procedure.

[@lucianobalcazargajardo603]

Thanks a lot Doctor :)

[@doricenguemadje5761]

Thank you for your explanation. I have 2 questions
1. What would happen to you sample if you fix it for too long. Thank you.

[@flatworme]

heat fixing for too long can cause damage to cell structures

[@doricenguemadje5761]

And you realize on the last step of grams staining that forgot to decolorize your slide. How would this impact the results? Thank you doctor.

[@flatworme]

forgetting to decolorize will make everything appear the color of the primary stain. the secondary stain won't be able to set properly