Protozoa

Subject: Observation of various protozoa, including both fixed slides and live cultures.
Instructor: Ishrat Rahman, Date: September 21, 2022.
Focus: Understanding lab procedures for observing protozoa, which may be parasitic or within live cultures.

Reference Note: For a detailed procedure on microscope use, refer to the exercise titled "Introduction to the Light Microscope."

Slide Preparation: Obtain a prepared blood smear slide that contains Plasmodium falciparum.
Cleaning: Use a Kimwipe™ to clean the slide prior to observation.
Microscope Settings: Observe under various magnifications: 4x, 10x, and 40x. Optionally, add a drop of immersion oil for observation under 100x when directed by the instructor.
Key Observations:
- Note the presence of ring-form trophozoites located inside infected red blood cells.
- Record detailed observations during this process.

Slide Preparation: Obtain a prepared blood smear slide containing Trypanosoma brucei.
Cleaning: Clean the slide as done previously with a Kimwipe™.
Microscope Settings: Examine under 4x, 10x, and 40x; the use of oil for 100x should be as per instructor guidelines.
Key Observations:
- Note the distinct shape of the Trypanosoma brucei organism, which possesses a prominent flagellum.
- Important to remember that this organism is found extracellularly, not within red blood cells.
- Record your observations meticulously.

Materials Needed: Obtain a clean microscope slide and coverslip.
Sampling: Use a pipette to carefully retrieve a small sample of liquid from a flask containing live protozoa. Important: Avoid cross-contamination of pipettes.
Slide Preparation: Place a drop of the retrieved liquid on the clean microscope slide.
Optional Additive: For protozoa such as Paramecium, a drop of Protoslo® can be added to aid visibility under the microscope.
Covering: Carefully lay a coverslip over the liquid sample, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped.
Observation: Bring the slide to the microscope for examination under 4x, 10x, and 40x magnification, avoiding the oil immersion lens.

Materials Required: Clean microscope slide and coverslip, along with immersion oil.
油环创建: Draw a small ring of oil on the slide approximately the size of a penny using a tube of immersion oil.
Sample Addition: Using pipettes, retrieve a small sample of liquid from one of the flasks containing live protozoa and place it inside the oil ring.
Optional Procedure: If instructed, add a drop of Protoslo®.
Covering: Carefully place a coverslip on top of the oil ring, avoiding disruption of the oil.
Microscope Observation: Repeat the observation under 4x, 10x, and 40x, preventing the use of oil immersion lens.

Materials Required: Clean microscope slide and coverslip, along with Vaseline®.
Sample Retrieval: Carefully use a pipette to retrieve a small sample of liquid from the flask containing live protozoa, placing it on the clean microscope slide.
Optional Additive: If directed, add a drop of Protoslo®.
Preparation of Coverslip: Rub a thin film of Vaseline® on the palm side of one hand; then, with the other hand, apply a small bead of Vaseline® across the edges of the coverslip by scraping it against the Vaseline® film, resulting in a continuous ledge.
Coverslip Application: Place the coverslip on top of the liquid sample, pressing edges gently to seal.
Observation: Carefully transport the slide to the microscope and observe under 4x, 10x, and 40x magnification, as before avoiding oil immersion lens.

Ensure cleanliness of all equipment and avoid any form of cross-contamination during procedures.
Follow instructor guidelines for observations and procedures diligently.
Record all findings and observations clearly for later review and study.