Field stain

Field stain is a histological method used in microscopy for staining specimens. It is named after Robert W. Field, a British physician who developed the technique.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /fiːld steɪn/

Etymology

The term "Field stain" is derived from the name of its inventor, Robert W. Field, and the English word "stain" which refers to the process of adding color to microscopic specimens for better visualization.

Description

Field stain is a type of staining technique used in microscopy to enhance the contrast of microscopic images. It is particularly useful in the examination of blood smears, malaria parasites, and other protozoa. The stain is a combination of two dyes, eosin and methylene blue, which stain different components of the cells different colors, allowing for easier identification and diagnosis.

Procedure

The procedure for Field staining involves several steps. First, the specimen is spread thinly on a microscope slide. The slide is then flooded with Field's stain A (a solution of methylene blue and eosin in methanol) for a few seconds, then rinsed with water. This is followed by flooding the slide with Field's stain B (a solution of eosin in methanol) for a few seconds, then rinsing again with water. The slide is then ready for examination under the microscope.

Related Terms

• Staining
• Microscopy
• Blood smear
• Malaria
• Protozoa
• Eosin
• Methylene blue

See Also

• Giemsa stain
• Gram stain
• Ziehl-Neelsen stain

External links

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

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