GB2180951A - Glass microscope slide having grit-blasted long edges - Google Patents

Abstract

A glass slide 5, for carrying specimens for observation under a microscope, is oblong in shape with two long edges 1,2 and two short edges 3,4, the long edges 1,2 having been grit blasted and the short edges 3,4 having been square-ground. The slide surface may be at least partly frosted. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to glass slides The present invention relates to glass slides intended to carry specimens which are to be observed under a microscope.

A major use for such slides is in the examination of blood samples. The sample is prepared by placing the blood on a slide and then smearing the blood overthe slidewithaground edge of another slide. Such slides have therefore been made herebeforewith all edges square flat ground to ensure that a ground edge is available no matter which edge ofthe slide is used to smearthe sample. The grinding of all four edge surfaces means that such a slide is more expensive than one in which the edges have been simply grit blasted on all foursides.Aslidewith grit blasted edges will not produce a satisfactory smear when used to smeara blood sample on anotherslide. Blood smeartests are carried out on a substantial scale and there is advantage therefore in reducing the cost of the slides.

According to the invention, there is provided a glass slide for carrying specimens for observa- tion under a microscope which is oblong in shape with two long edges and two short edges, the long edges having been grit blasted and the short edges having been square-ground.

A slide ofthis form overcomes one of the disadvantages of a slide with all edges square ground.

The edges of slides which are square ground are relatively sharp and when the slides are handled as is usual with the finger and thumb in contact with the long edges, these edges can cause cuts if the slide is moved when in contact with finger and thumb. Grit blasted edges considerably reduce the riskofsuch cuts.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the sole figure of the accompanying drawings, which shows a perspective view of a slide 5 in accordance with the present invention, in which the longer edges 1 and 2 are grit blasted and shorter edges 3 and 4 are square ground.

Slides can be made in different sizes and thicknesses. Afrosted portion (not shown) can be provided on the surface of the slide to enable notationsto be easily made on the slide.

1. A glass slide for carrying specimensforobservation undera microscope,theglassslide being oblong in shape with two long edges and two short edges, the long edges having been grit blasted and the short edges having been squareground.

2. Aglass slide according to Claim 1,furthercomprising a frosted portion on the surface of the slideforfacilitating notations to be made ontheslide. 3. A glass slide substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (3)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to glass slides The present invention relates to glass slides intended to carry specimens which are to be observed under a microscope. A major use for such slides is in the examination of blood samples. The sample is prepared by placing the blood on a slide and then smearing the blood overthe slidewithaground edge of another slide. Such slides have therefore been made herebeforewith all edges square flat ground to ensure that a ground edge is available no matter which edge ofthe slide is used to smearthe sample. The grinding of all four edge surfaces means that such a slide is more expensive than one in which the edges have been simply grit blasted on all foursides.Aslidewith grit blasted edges will not produce a satisfactory smear when used to smeara blood sample on anotherslide. Blood smeartests are carried out on a substantial scale and there is advantage therefore in reducing the cost of the slides. According to the invention, there is provided a glass slide for carrying specimens for observa- tion under a microscope which is oblong in shape with two long edges and two short edges, the long edges having been grit blasted and the short edges having been square-ground. A slide ofthis form overcomes one of the disadvantages of a slide with all edges square ground. The edges of slides which are square ground are relatively sharp and when the slides are handled as is usual with the finger and thumb in contact with the long edges, these edges can cause cuts if the slide is moved when in contact with finger and thumb. Grit blasted edges considerably reduce the riskofsuch cuts. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the sole figure of the accompanying drawings, which shows a perspective view of a slide 5 in accordance with the present invention, in which the longer edges 1 and 2 are grit blasted and shorter edges 3 and 4 are square ground. Slides can be made in different sizes and thicknesses. Afrosted portion (not shown) can be provided on the surface of the slide to enable notationsto be easily made on the slide. CLAIMS

1. A glass slide for carrying specimensforobservation undera microscope,theglassslide being oblong in shape with two long edges and two short edges, the long edges having been grit blasted and the short edges having been squareground.

2. Aglass slide according to Claim 1,furthercomprising a frosted portion on the surface of the slideforfacilitating notations to be made ontheslide.

3. A glass slide substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.