Giemsa staining of blood smears examination

Giemsa staining is a common method used for examining blood smears, histological sections and other types of biological samples. Used in haematology, Giemsa staining allows differentiating between the different types of blood cells. The Giemsa solution colours and reveals erythrocites, basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, platelets and the chromatin of the nuclei.

1. Formulation 

- Powdered Giemsa stain....................... 3.8mg
- Methanol (methyl alcohol)..................... 250 mL
Glycerol ( methyl alcohol C3H8O3).......... 250 mL

2. Procedure 

Weigh the giemsa and transfer to 500 mL dry brown bottle. 
Add a few dry glass beads ( to assist in dissolving the dye). Avoid water contact .
Measure the methanol using a clean dry cylinder, and add to the stain. Mix well. 
Measure the glycerol using the dry clean cylinder, and add the stain. Mix well. 
Mix well at interval until the dye is completely dissolved (4 days consecutively). Water bath at 50-60 degree or 37 degree will help the dye to dissolve. 
Label the bottle "Giemsa stain" and mark it as flammable and toxic. 

3. Storage and stability 

Store at room temperature in the dark. 
The stain is stable for several months, if kept well-stoppered.