What are the primary steps in preparing a bacterial smear for microscopy?

The primary steps in preparing a bacterial smear for microscopy include spreading the cultured bacteria onto a slide, allowing the smear to air dry, and then heat-fixing the smear to adhere the cells to the slide and kill the bacteria.

Spreading the culture is essential as it creates a thin film of bacteria on the slide, which facilitates even staining and clearer observation under the microscope. Air drying is a crucial step because it ensures that any excess moisture is removed from the slide, which can interfere with the staining process. Finally, heat-fixing serves a dual purpose: it not only kills the bacteria to prevent any risk of infection but also adheres the cells firmly to the slide, making them easier to observe during microscopy.

While other options may contain terms related to microbiological practices, they do not accurately represent the fundamental steps required for preparing a bacterial smear specifically for microscopic examination.