A one-page checklist for your first spore slides, with a record sheet for your measurements. Use the button to print it or save it as a PDF.
Equipment
- ☐ Compound microscope reaching at least 400x (magnification guide)
- ☐ Plain slides and 22 x 22mm cover slips
- ☐ Spore source: spore syringe or spore print
- ☐ Clean water and a disposable pipette
- ☐ Lens cleaning paper
- ☐ Gloves and a tray or paper towel
- ☐ Optional: methylene blue stain (staining guide)
- ☐ Notebook or this record sheet, plus a pencil
Making the slide
- ☐ Clean the slide and handle it by the edges.
- ☐ Add one small drop of water or spore suspension.
- ☐ Lower the cover slip at an angle to avoid bubbles.
- ☐ Blot excess liquid from the edges.
- ☐ Focus at 40x or 100x first, then move to 400x.
- ☐ Close the diaphragm slightly for contrast.
- ☐ Measure at least 20 spores with a calibrated eyepiece scale.
- ☐ Wipe objectives and clean up. Full method
Safety
- Stains mark skin, clothes and worktops. Wear gloves.
- Never eat a wild mushroom based on a spore print or a microscope result.
- Keep stains and chemicals away from children, pets and food.
Record sheet
| Date | Sample / species | Magnification | Spore length x width (microns) | Shape / colour / notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Magic Mushrooms UK · ordermagicmushrooms.uk · Spore syringes are sold for microscopy and research only. 18+.
