Giemsa stain

Giemsa stain is a solution of methylene blue, azur and eosin in methanol and glycerol. The staining is based on the absorption of this solution by organic structures. It is most commonly used to stain a blood smear or fixed vaginal swab. Protozoa, chlamydiae are imaged, bacteria, mycoplasma, viral inclusions, organelles and cellular structures. The bacteria turn blue, the cases light blue, the slime pink. Giemsa's solution is used either concentrated or diluted with distilled water.

Variants

 * Giemsa-Romanowsky staining: Chromosome staining, diagnosis malaria;
 * May-Grünwald-Giemsa: barvení leukocytů − differential blood count.

Related articles

 * Burri stain
 * Gram stain