Prepare slides as required. Prior to coverslipping rinse the slides in distilled or deionized water. The excess fluid can be drained, but blotting is not recommended. Aqua-Poly/Mount is supplied in convenient 20ml dropper bottles for manual staining and in larger volumes for automated coverslippers.

Apply two drops of Aqua-Poly/Mount to the slide at the end or over the tissue. Carefully lower the coverslip at an angle while gently applying pressure to force any excess medium and air bubbles away from the tissue and out from under the coverslip. It is helpful to draw the coverslip to the edge of the coverslipping medium and then lower it slowly while applying pressure. Gently tilt the slide to remove any medium at the edges of the slide and coverslip. The slide can be viewed immediately or after drying. Slides can be dried at room temperature or at 4°C. Drying at 4°C will increase drying times. Do not heat the slides as this can damage or fade some stains or reactions. Slides containing fluorescent chromogens should be stored in the dark.

Aqua-Poly/Mount can be used on automated coverslippers in place of traditional solvent based coverslipping medium. The viscosity of the medium may require adjusting for proper flow rates. Allow the liquid to come to room temperature before making any adjustments for flow rate as the viscosity will change. The amount of medium dispensed will effect the drying time. Thicker sections will require more coverage with medium to assure the coverslip remains in place against the slide surface.