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How to Process Pollen Samples

Pollen samples are collected and processed to determine an area's pollen rating, ranging from low to high. Researching plants and pollen produced is essential to providing pollen data and potential threats to the general public. Pollen samples are processed in a laboratory using a microscope and are measured by number of grains per cubic meter. Different techniques and tools may be used to collect and process pollen samples.

Things You'll Need

Lab slides
Microscope
Sterile gloves

Instructions

- 1
  
  Sterile gloves are worn while placing pollen samples on lab slides.
  
  Collect pollen samples from open flower buds. Open buds may show dusting of pollen, which can be transferred to laboratory slides and examined under a microscope. Using sterile gloves to avoid contamination, remove and place pollen grains on slides and note which plant species they were taken from. Fresh and dried plants may be used for collecting pollen samples.
- 2
  
  Pollen is examined under a microscope to determine count and identification.
  
  Place pollen samples under a microscope. A microscope is used to identify a correct pollen count. Based upon the number of grains per slide, pollen is accurately identified and rated from low to very high. Note and date research pollen count data for each plant species.
- 3
  
  Wind-blown pollen is collected and processed through a volumetric spore sampler.
  
  Use a volumetric spore sampler. For advanced pollen counting, this tool is used for collecting samples that move with air-borne particles in wind. Over a set amount of time, such as a 24-hour period, the volumetric spore sampler will collect wind-driven pollen and place samples on a slide for processing. After processing, data is collected to determine pollen activity and threats.
- 4
  
  Processed pollen data helps the general public prepare for any physical reactions.
  
  Share pollen sample data. Whether for recreational research or sampling through a laboratory, processed pollen samples provide critical data on the level of pollen in each geographical range. This data helps identify seasonal human reactions to pollen and also the level of pollen occurrence on a yearly basis for each plant species.

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