Jenner's stain

Jenner's stain is a type of stain used in microscopy to enhance the visibility of biological tissues for observation. It is named after the British physician Edward Jenner, who is best known for his pioneering work in the development of the smallpox vaccine.

History

Jenner's stain was first developed in the late 19th century as a method for staining blood smears. It is a combination of eosin and methylene blue, which are both basic dyes. The stain is used to differentiate between different types of blood cells, making it a valuable tool in the field of hematology.

Preparation and Use

To prepare Jenner's stain, eosin and methylene blue are dissolved in a solution of methanol. The stain is then applied to a blood smear and allowed to sit for a few minutes. After this, the smear is rinsed with water to remove excess stain and then examined under a microscope.

The eosin in Jenner's stain stains the cytoplasm of cells pink, while the methylene blue stains the nucleus and other cell structures blue. This allows for easy differentiation between different types of cells.

Applications

Jenner's stain is primarily used in the field of hematology to study blood cells. It can be used to identify abnormalities in the size, shape, and number of blood cells, which can be indicative of various medical conditions such as anemia, leukemia, and infections.

In addition to its use in hematology, Jenner's stain can also be used in other areas of biology and medicine. For example, it can be used to stain parasites in order to make them more visible under a microscope.

See Also

• Staining (biology)
• Hematology
• Microscopy

References

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