Research Methodology

Materials

Clean glass slides Sterile cotton swabs

Microscope Staining solution (optional)

Cover slips Distilled water

Disposable gloves Microscope slides

Microscope slide box or tray Laboratory notebook or cellphone for

recording observations

Procedure

1). Put on disposable gloves to maintain cleanliness and hygiene throughout the process.

2). Collect a small sample of menstrual fluid using a menstrual cup, clean tampon, or other
suitable collection method.

3). Prepare clean glass slides by wiping them with a lint-free cloth or lens cleaning paper to
remove any dust or debris.

4). Place a drop of the collected menstrual fluid onto a glass slide. Ensure that the drop is small
and concentrated in the center of the slide.

5). If desired, add a drop of staining solution (such as Giemsa stain) to enhance the visibility of
cellular structures. Follow the staining solution manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage
and duration.

6). Gently place a cover slip over the drop of menstrual fluid to create a thin, even layer.
7). Carefully examine the slide under a microscope. Start with the lowest magnification
objective lens and gradually increase the magnification to observe different aspects of the
sample.

8). Observe the menstrual fluid sample under different microscope settings, including
brightfield, phase contrast, or darkfield, depending on the available options and the specific
purpose of the analysis.

9). Take note of any observable characteristics, such as the presence of red blood cells, white
blood cells, epithelial cells, bacteria, yeast, or other cellular or microbial structures.

10). If necessary, use sterile cotton swabs to collect additional samples from specific areas of
interest on the slide for further analysis or staining.

11). If using staining solutions, rinse the slide gently with distilled water to remove excess stain
and allow it to air dry.

12). Record your observations, including the type and quantity of cells or structures identified,
any unusual findings, and any relevant notes or comments in a laboratory notebook.

13). Properly dispose of the used glass slides and other materials according to biohazard waste
disposal guidelines.
 Reference
Centers for Desease Control and Prevention. (2022). Water, Sanitation, and Environmentally
Related Hygiene (WASH). Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/personal-
hygiene/menstrual.html#:~:text=You%20can%20choose%20many%20types,menstrual
%20discs%2C%20and%20period%20underwear