Examination of a skin scraping

Objective

For microscopic insect examination e.g. mites (causes scabies)

Material required

• Coverslip
• Glass slide
• Microscope
• Scalpal with blade
• Lubricating oil

Procedure

• Clean scalpal
• Put a drop of oil on the slide and lubricate the blade
• Scrape the affected area of skin in the same direction by holding skin until blood oozes out.
• Rub the blade in rotatory motion with a drop of oil on the slide.
• Observe under a microscope.