Which of the following is an important step in the preparation of a proper bacterial smear?
a. Allow the loop to cool after it has been flamed.
b. Label the underside of the slide (the downward-facing side of the slide) with the type of microbe you will be transferring.
c. Repeat inoculations such that the smear is as thick and undiluted as possible.
d. Apply methane to clean the slide prior to smearing inoculum.