]]> Place a small piece of tape at one end of the slide Label the tape with the name of the sample Use a sterile cotton swab to vigorously scrape the inside of your mouth and gums. Rub the swab over the slide Place the slide on a staining tray Cover the entire film with crystal violet Wait 1 minute Pick up the slide by one end and hold it at an angle over the staining tray Using the wash bottle, gently wash off the excess safranin from the slide Use a book of blotting paper to blot the slide dry