In a basic staining procedure, which is the correct order?
A) Fix, smear, stain
B) Smear, fix, stain
C) Fix, stain, decolorize
D) Smear, decolorize, stain
E) Smear, stain, fix

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct order for a basic staining procedure is to first prepare the smear (spreading a thin layer of the sample onto a slide), then fix the sample onto the slide using heat or chemicals, and finally stain the sample with a dye or chemical to make the cells or structures visible under a microscope. Decolorization may or may not be necessary depending on the type of stain used, but it is typically done after staining rather than before. Therefore, the correct order is Smear, fix, stain, and choice B is the best answer.

In a Basic Staining Procedure, Which Is the Correct Order