Biology/gram stain deterioration
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Question
I am a medical technologist in a hospital laboratory. My question is: can the stain from a Gram Stain slide deteriorate over time? (These slides are not mounted with permanent mounting media, nor are they coverslipped) I have done extensive online research and cannot find the answer to this. I would like to reference any material on this subject. Specifically, if or when the stain may deteriorate.
Hi David: Thanks for your question.
I know that stained slides can be kept for a few days without deterioration, but exactly how long I don't know. I couldn't find an answer either.
I looked at some microbiology sites and searched PubMed.
Here is what I found:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18159475?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEn...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1722221?ordinalpos=19&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEn...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18432666?ordinalpos=7&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEn...
Why don't you carry out an experiment? Make several (let's say, 10) Gram stains of a mixture of pos and neg organisms. Then look at one slide every other day and take notes and photos of any deterioration that may occur.
You could also contact the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) for a local chapter where you could talk to someone.
This is an interesting problem, one you might be able to write up if you collect sufficient data.
FM Rollwagen, PhD
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Hi Florence, Thank-you for your help. I appreciate you taking the time to look into this, and you contribution of the websites. I think your idea of carrying out this experiment is helpful and would also satisfy the curiosity of my-cowerkers and myself. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Florence M Rollwagen
Expertise
I can answer questions in biology, microbiology and immunology on the undergraduate or graduate level. I can also address medical and health concerns regarding alternative medicine, autoimmune diseases (lupus, MS) liver disease and intestinal problems.
Experience
I have over 20 years experience in research and teaching at the medical/graduate level, and 5 years teaching college biology and microbiology. My expertise is in microbiology and immunology, specifically the biology of cytokines and soluble immune response modifiers. I also carried out original research in blood substitutes and shock/trauma.
Organizations
American Association of Immunologists (AAI)
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Publications
Journal of Experimental Medicine, Journal of Immunology, Cytokine, Shock, Experimental Hematology
Education/Credentials
BS biology 1966
MS biology 1968
PhD immunology 1979
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