Use of modified gram’s stain in peripheral smear staining - An alternative for Leishman’s stain.

Introduction: Peripheral blood smear is a blood film which has a thin layer of blood smeared on a glass slide which is stained such a way that blood cells can be examined clearly under a microscope. Peripheral blood smear shows the number and shape of the blood cells in which the information derived from the peripheral blood smear has become a cornerstone in Laboratory Hematology and is widely used for screening, case finding, diagnosis, and monitoring of haematological and non-haematological disorders. Examination of stained smears may have certain limitations, such as suboptimal staining and stain precipitate. The diagnostic relevance of peripheral blood smear has not been lessened by advances in haematology automation and molecular techniques. Aim: The aim is to compare between the gram stain and Leishmann's stain on routine peripheral smear examination. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 20 random patients after receiving the consent of the respective individuals. To compare the multiple stains, twenty slides were taken to prepare a series of two slides of smear for each blood sample. Staining was done with Leishman's stain and Modified Gram stain (with 80% isopropyl alcohol as an alternative for acetone). Results and Discussion: The morphology of RBC was maintained properly in the slide stained with Leishman's stain. The colour of the RBC was appreciable. Disc shaped round cells with centre pallor were appreciated. They were easily differentiable from other cells in the blood. The morphology of the WBCs was correctly preserved in the stained slide of Modified gram stain. There was no difference that influenced the interpretation of the study. Compared to Leishmann's staining, the finer chromatin pattern and nucleus of leukocytes was clearer with Modified gram stain. The platelet staining was better with Leishman's compared to Modified gram staining(P>0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that the staining property of Leishman's stain is better than Modified gram staining and any other stains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]