Leishman stain

Leishman Stain

Leishman stain (pronounced: lee-sh-man stain) is a type of stain used in microscopy to identify and differentiate cells in medical samples, particularly blood smears. It is named after its inventor, British pathologist William Boog Leishman.

Etymology

The term "Leishman stain" is derived from the name of its inventor, Sir William Boog Leishman, a British pathologist and military physician. He developed the stain in the early 20th century to improve the visualization of malaria parasites in blood smears.

Usage

Leishman stain is primarily used in the field of hematology, the study of blood and blood-forming tissues. It is particularly useful in the identification and differentiation of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The stain is also used to detect and identify blood parasites, such as those that cause malaria and leishmaniasis.

Preparation and Procedure

The Leishman stain is a mixture of methylene blue and eosin. The staining procedure involves applying the stain to a blood smear, allowing it to react, and then rinsing it off. The different components of the blood will take up the stain to different degrees, allowing them to be easily distinguished under a microscope.

Related Terms

• Stain
• Microscopy
• Hematology
• Malaria
• Leishmaniasis
• Methylene blue
• Eosin

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Leishman stain
• Wikipedia's article - Leishman stain

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