Giemsa staining

Definition

Giemsa staining is a histological stain used for the visualization of cellular components, particularly useful in identifying parasites and differential white blood cells. It is commonly employed in microbiology to diagnose infections by staining organisms such as fungi and protozoa.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Giemsa staining is crucial for identifying Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus that can cause respiratory mycoses.
2. It differentiates between different types of white blood cells, which helps in diagnosing various infections.
3. The stain binds to nucleic acids and shows organisms with prominent nuclei against a clear background.
4. Giemsa staining is often used alongside other stains like Gram staining to provide comprehensive diagnostic information.
5. It can be used on various sample types including blood smears, bone marrow smears, and tissue sections.

Review Questions

• What type of infections can Giemsa staining help diagnose?
• How does Giemsa staining differentiate between different cell types?
• Why might a clinician choose to use Giemsa staining over other stains in diagnosing respiratory mycoses?

Related terms

Histoplasma capsulatum:

A fungus identified using Giemsa stain that causes respiratory infections.

Gram Staining:

A method for classifying bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative based on cell wall properties.

Wright's Stain: Another stain closely related to Giemsa used primarily for visualizing blood cells.