In the field of biosectioning, smear and mounting are two different concepts, and their difference mainly lies in the way the sample is processed and the form of the section prepared.
Smear: Smear refers to the preparation method of applying a sample directly onto a slide. Usually smears are applied to fluid samples or cell samples, such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, etc. In the preparation of a smear, the sample is removed and applied directly to the slide, which is then covered with another slide to form a press sheet, which is stained by a specific staining method. Smears are usually used for cytology to look at cell morphology and structure in a sample.
Loading: Loading refers to the preparation method of fixing the tissue sample, cutting it into thin slices with a microtome, and then attaching these slices to the slide. Usually, mounting is suitable for solid tissue samples, such as tissue slices, cell blocks, etc. In the preparation of the mounting, the sample is first fixed, dehydrated, dipped in wax, etc., and then cut into thin slices by a microtome, and then these slices are attached to the slide for dyeing. Imaging is usually used for histological examination to observe tissue structure and pathological changes.
Therefore, the key to distinguish between smear and loading lies in the sample handling and preparation process. Smear is the preparation method of applying the sample directly on the slide, suitable for liquid samples or cell samples; Loading is the preparation method of cutting a solid tissue sample into thin slices and attaching it to a slide, which is suitable for solid tissue samples.
Post time: Aug-10-2024