Grid staining--a useful device.

A simple and disposable holder for electron microscope grids can be constructed from discs of silicon rubber. The discs (10 mm thick X 25 mm diameter) are scored 0.4 mm deep with a razor. Flexing the discs opens the scores for insertion of grids. Staining wells can be made from polyethylene snap-in vial tops by cutting away the nipple-like portion. After impaling the holders on the tips of a pair of forceps the grids can be washed by immersion. This holder is rigid, inert and inexpensive. It is of particular advantage for handling single-slotted grids.