Neat Stain Gram Stain Kit

EMS27100-01

Summary 

For staining bacteria from cultures or patient specimens by the differential Gram stain method. This procedure is based upon the Hucker modification of the original Gram stain method. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are both stained by the crystal violet stain. Addition of iodine leads to the formation of a crystal violet-iodine complex within the cell wall. The decolouriser extracts lipids from the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria, thereby increasing the porosity of the cell wall and allowing the crystal violet-iodine complex to diffuse from the cell. At the same time, Gram-positive bacteria are dehydrated, causing a decrease in cell wall porosity and trapping the crystal violet-iodine complex within the cell. Due to the increase in porosity, the safranin counterstain is able to permeate the cell wall of the Gram-negative bacteria. 

Storage Conditions 

Store at controlled room temperature (15-30°C) with bottles tightly sealed. Neat Stain Gram stain reagent packs may be resealed with adhesive backed foil strips between uses. Do not use beyond the expiration date on the reagent pack. 

Indications of Deterioration 

If precipitate forms in the Crystal Violet Solution, warm gently to 37°C and shake well to re-dissolve. 

Specimen Collection & Preparation 

Liquid Media: Spread the bacteria suspension on a clean glass slide using a sterilised wire loop and allow to air-dry. Heat-fix the smears by passing the slide through a flame three times and allow them to cool. 

Solid Media: Place a loopful of deionized water on a clean glass slide. Touch a sterilised wire loop to a colony and suspend the cells in the water droplet; spread the suspension on the slide and allow to air dry. Heat-fix the smear by passing the slide through a flame three times and allow it to cool. 

Patient: Obtain the patient specimen using a sterile wire loop, pipette or swab. Smear the specimen on a clean glass slide and allow to air dry. Heat-fix the smear by passing the slide through a flame three times and allow it to cool. 

Technique 

Immerse the prepared slide into chamber 1 (Crystal Violet Stain) for one minute. Rinse the slide gently with DI water. Immerse the slide into chamber 2 (Stabilized Iodine Solution) for approximately two minutes. Rinse the slide gently with DI water. Repeatedly dip the slide into chamber 3 (Decolorizer) inspecting between each dip. Decolorizing is complete as soon as the solution runs clear from the smear on the slide. Rinse the slide gently with DI water. Immerse the slide into chamber 4 (Safranin) for one minute. Rinse the slide gently with DI water and blot the slide dry with absorbent paper. Examine the slide accordingly. 

Results 

Gram-positive bacteria are stained purple and Gram-negative are stained pink to red. 

Limitations of Procedure 

Application of excessive heat during fixation of smear may rupture bacterial cell walls and affect the Gram staining results. Treatment with antibacterial drugs may cause Gram-positive bacteria to appear Gram-negative. 

Controls: Performance of the Set may be tested using the following procedure: Stain a prepared slide of Staphylococcus aureus from an 18 to 24 hour culture with Crystal Violet Stain allowing to stand for one minute and rinsing with DI water. Gram positive purple cocci should be observed; if not, discard this solution. 

Stain a prepared slide of Escherichia coli from an 18 to 24 hour culture with Safranin Stain allowing to stand for one minute and rising with DI water. Gram- negative pink rods should be observed; if not, discard this solution. 

Following the normal Gram staining procedure, stain a prepared slide of S. aureus from an 18 to 24 hour culture. Gram-positive purple cocci should be observed; if not, discard the Gram Iodine Solution. 

Precautions 

Crystal Violet: Causes eye irritation. Wash thoroughly after handling. In case of contact, flush eyes with water for 15 minutes. Contact a physician. 

Iodine: Causes eye irritation. Wash thoroughly after handling. In case of contact, flush eyes with water for 15 minutes. Contact a physician. 

Decolorizer: Is extremely flammable. Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid excessive heat, sparks and open flame. Decolorizer causes eye irritation. Wash thoroughly after handling. In case of contact, flush your eyes with water for 15 minutes. Contact a physician. 

Safranin: Is a combustible liquid. Avoid excessive heat, sparks and open flame. Causes eye irritation. Wash thoroughly after handling. In case of contact, flush eyes with water for 15 minutes. Contact a physician. 

Limited Warranty 

This product is warranted to perform as described in its labeling and product literature. Electron Microscopy Sciences, Inc. disclaims all other warranties, expressed, implied and statutory with respect to this product, including, but not limited to the warranty of fitness for a particular purpose and the warranty of merchantability. In no event shall Electron Microscopy Sciences, Inc. or any of its affiliates be liable for incidental or consequential damages to the buyer or any third party, howsoever arising, even if advised of such damages.