GIEMSA STAIN Meaning and
Definition
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Giemsa stain is a type of histological and cytological stain commonly used in medical laboratories to visualize and identify certain cells and microorganisms. It is named after its developer, Gustav Giemsa, a German chemist.
Giemsa stain is a polychromatic stain, meaning it can stain different cellular components, such as nuclei, cytoplasm, and certain granules, with varying colors. It is primarily used to aid in the identification of blood cells and microorganisms, particularly those that cause diseases such as malaria and certain bacterial infections.
The stain involves treating the sample with a mixture of methylene blue, eosin, and Azure B (or its precursor Azure A), which interact with specific cellular components. The methylene blue component primarily stains nuclear DNA, turning the nuclei a deep blue or purple color. Eosin stains the cytoplasm, giving it a pinkish-red hue. This color contrast between nuclei and cytoplasm facilitates the identification and differentiation of various cell types.
Giemsa stain is widely used in medical laboratories for the examination of blood smears, bone marrow samples, and tissue sections. It helps to diagnose and monitor blood disorders, such as malaria, various forms of leukemia, and certain parasitic infections. Additionally, it is also utilized in the identification of bacteria and other microorganisms, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.
Overall, Giemsa stain is an essential tool in medical diagnostics, enabling the visualization and evaluation of cellular and microbial components, thereby contributing to accurate diagnoses and informed treatment decisions.
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A stain for demonstrating Negri bodies, the malarial organisms, spirochetes, and other protozoans; compound of azur II-eosin, 30; azur II, 0.8; chemically pure glycerin and chemically pure methyl alcohol, each 250.0.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GIEMSA STAIN
- fiemsa stain
- viemsa stain
- biemsa stain
- hiemsa stain
- yiemsa stain
- tiemsa stain
- guemsa stain
- gjemsa stain
- gkemsa stain
- goemsa stain
- g9emsa stain
- g8emsa stain
- giwmsa stain
- gismsa stain
- gidmsa stain
- girmsa stain
- gi4msa stain
- gi3msa stain
- giensa stain
- gieksa stain
Etymology of GIEMSA STAIN
The word "Giemsa Stain" is named after the Italian scientist Gustavo Giemsa.
Gustavo Giemsa was a physician and biologist who lived from 1867 to 1948. He developed the staining technique while working at the Institute of Pathological Anatomy and Histology in Germany around 1904. Giemsa's stain is a combination of various dyes that are used to provide a contrast between different types of cells and cellular structures. It is commonly used in medical and research laboratories for staining blood smears to identify different types of cells, parasites, bacteria, and other microorganisms. The stain has been particularly valuable for the diagnosis of malaria and other blood-borne infections. Due to its importance and widespread use, the stain was named after its creator, Gustavo Giemsa.
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