A wet mount is the simplest type of specimen preparation for light microscopy, where the specimen is placed on a slide in a drop of liquid. Liquid specimens, like a drop of urine, can be applied directly with a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scrapings, are placed on the slide before liquid is added. Water is commonly used, but stains are often added to enhance contrast. A coverslip is then placed over the sample to keep it securely in place before microscopic examination.