A PROCESS OF STAINING BACTERIA FIXED ON A SLIDE AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT THE PROCESS. THE DEVICE IS MADE OUT OF A NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL SUPPORTING AN ABSORBENT MATERIAL WHICH HAS BEEN TREATED WITH STAIN AND THEN DRIED. TO STIN THE BACTERIA, EITHER A DROP OF SOLVENT IS PLACED ON THE SLIDE OR SOLVENT IS DROPPED THROUGH A HOLE OR HOLES IN THE NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL,. THE SOLVENT REDISSOLVES THE STAIN WHICH IS THEN CARRIED DOWN ONTO THE BACTERIA. THE STAIN IS KEPT ON THE BACTERIA FOR AS LONG AS IS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE STAINING. THE STRUCTURE DOES NOT DRY OUT DURING STAINING BECAUSE OF THE PRESENCE OF THE WATER-IMPERVIOUS MATERIAL.