Using a spore syringe for the first time can be exciting….. but also a little intimidating. Whether you’re preparing slides for microscopy or planning to grow your very own mushrooms, it’s easy to make missteps that waste valuable spores or lead to poor results.
To help start you off right, here are the Top 5 mistakes beginners make with spore syringes and how to avoid them (nobody wants wasted valuable spores!) .
1. Not Shaking the Syringe Before Use
Why it’s a problem:
Spores tend to clump together and settle at the bottom of the syringe. If you don’t shake the syringe well before using it, the spores won’t be evenly distributed. This means some slides will have too few spores, and others may get too many—or none at all.
Fix it:
Gently shake the syringe for 10–15 seconds to evenly disperse the spores throughout the solution before each use. Sometimes the spores stick to the sides of the syringe or form a large clump that doesn’t break up after an initial shake. In this case, take the cap off in a sterile environment (such as a SAB) and let some air into the syringe. Put the cap back on and give it another shake. This should make a big difference in dispersing the spores.
2. Touching the Needle or Failing to Sterilise
Why it’s a problem:
Contamination is the number one issue in microscopy and cultivation. Even if you’re only making slides, touching the needle or using an unclean environment can introduce bacteria or other spores that interfere with your observations.
Fix it:
Ideally you will always use a new sterile needle for each use of your syringe. When using a new sterile needle there is no need to flame sterilise as the needle is already as sterile as it can be.
When it’s not practical to use a fresh sterile needle (sometimes you have to work with what you’ve got!), you can sterilise the needle with a flame (e.g., a lighter or alcohol lamp) until it glows red. Allow it to cool before use. Never touch the needle, and always work in the cleanest environment possible (preferably under a still air box or in front of a flow hood). Another problem I come across is wiping the needle with an alcohol wipe after flame sterilising or when using a new sterile needle. This has now made the needle unsterile (Alcohol wipes are good for sanitising but DO NOT sterilise – there is a big difference!). Never do this.
3. Using Too Much Solution Per Slide
Why it’s a problem:
A common beginner mistake is flooding a slide with too much spore solution. This can lead to blurry visuals under the microscope and makes it harder to isolate individual spores.
Fix it:
One small drop is plenty for a microscope slide. Less is more. Use a single drop and cover it with a coverslip to get a clear, focused view of the spores. If you want to learn more about how to use spores for microscopy you can check out our guide:
4. Not Labeling or Tracking Spore Strains
Why it’s a problem:
Many mycology enthusiasts collect and use different spore strains. Without proper labeling, it’s easy to mix up syringes—especially if they look the same in the tube.
Fix it:
Label every syringe with the strain name, date of purchase, and any other helpful notes. Keep a dedicated log or spreadsheet so you always know what you’re working with. Our syringes come packaged with the label on the ziplock bag. This allows you to better see the contents of the syringe. This is an alternative way of labelling if you are making up your own spore syringes (learn how by reading our guide: How To Make A Spore Syringe).
5. Storing Spore Syringes Incorrectly
Why it’s a problem:
Spores are living biological material. If you store syringes in a hot, sunny place (like a windowsill or car glovebox), you risk killing or degrading the spores and encouraging contamination.
Fix it:
Keep spore syringes in a cool, dark location. A refrigerator is ideal, but room temperature is okay for shorter term storage. Avoid heat and direct light and always keep the cap on the needle when not in use. We have written an extensive guide on this subject: How to Store Spore Syringes.
Closing Thoughts
Starting with spores is not complicated but spending a bit of energy learning common mistakes could save you a lot of time, money and frustration in the long run. By avoiding these five beginner mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for success whether you’re creating microscope slides or planning your first grow.
Looking for high quality, viable spore syringes? Check out the full range at Mycotown.com.