Staining Human Cheek Cells Using Methylene Blue
This lab was a refresher for staining and using the compound microscopes properly.
Purpose: Harvest and wet mount cheek cells using staining method and methylene blue.
Materials:
Compound light microscope (Nikon Alphaphot 2 YS2)
Sterile Toothpicks
0.9 NaCL (208, Lot 112422, CAS 7647-14-5, L11614; FW 58.44)
Paper Towel
10% Bleach Solution (Prepared 09/27/2012 by CM)
Glass Slide
Cover Slip
Methylene Blue stain in 1% Aqueous solution (PEID#000093, CL 52015, FW 373.92)
Method:
- Placed one drop of 0.9% NaCl on slide and set down.
- Swabbed inner right cheek using sterile toothpick.
- Mixed the swabbed end of the toothpick with the NaCl already on the slide, placed cover slip over mixture and observed in microscope.
- Added one drop of methylene blue on the slide next to the cover slip.
- Used paper towel to pull stain through the field of the slide under the slip cover.
- Observed in microscope.
Data and Results:
Most cells are approximately 1/8th of the field of vision at a magnification of 400x. At this magnification the nuclei are visible as a darker blue area with the cells which were all varying shades of blue. Background was clear indicating did not over use the methylene blue.
Conclusion:
My cheek cells are extremely cooperative and quite sexy. I may need to find a manager to get some work as a cheek cell model.
Procedure is efficient and not too messy if done carefully. Microscope provides the best detail at higher magnification. I'm comfortable using the method and microscope. I cannot think of any way to improve upon this procedure.
