Slides are flat, rectangular pieces of glass or plastic that are widely used in microscopy, pathology, and other laboratory applications. They are often used to prepare and view microscopic specimens, such as cells, tissues, or microorganisms, for analysis.
Slides come in various sizes and thicknesses, with the most common size being 1 inch by 3 inches (25 mm by 75 mm). They can be made of different materials, including soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, or plastic, depending on the application.
Preparation of slides involves placing the specimen on the slide and covering it with a thin glass cover slip to protect it from damage or contamination. The specimen can then be viewed under a microscope, allowing researchers to observe and analyze its structure, behavior, and other properties.