A thin film of the specimen on a microscope slide is fixed in pure methanol for 30 seconds, by immersing it or by putting a few drops of methanol on the slide. The slide is immersed in a freshly prepared 5% Giemsa stain solution for 20–30 minutes. For quick response during emergencies use 10% solution, result can be achieved in 5–10 minutes, then flushed with tap water and left to dry.