(ii) under sterile and aseptic conditions, using a capillary pipette, place one drop of plasma containing solution in the centre of each of one, or more coverslips (22mm);

(iii) transfer a fragment (one or two pieces) of tissue (called explant) to this drop without crushing the tissue;

iv) add the embryo extract containing solution and mix thoroughly before clotting starts and then locate the explant;

(v) place two small spots of petroleum jelly (using a glass rod) near the concavity of a depression slide and invert this slide over the coverslip; apply gentle pressure, so that jelly sticks to coverslip.

(vi) allow culture medium to clot;

vii) turn over the slide and seal the margins of coverslip with paraffin;

(viii) label and incubate at 37°C.