To stain a tape prep, as demonstrated in the referenced method for skin cytology, you stain the slide by dipping the sample 10 to 12 times in the red stain.
Tape preparations are a common method for collecting samples, particularly for cytology (the study of cells), from surfaces like skin. Once the sample is transferred to a piece of tape attached to a microscope slide, it needs to be stained to make the cells and any microorganisms visible under a microscope.
The Staining Process
Based on the provided reference, a specific staining method involves using a red stain. While the exact stain isn't named (it could be part of a rapid staining system like Diff-Quik or Wright's stain, where different colors are used in sequence), the key action described is repeated dipping.
Here's a breakdown of the step referenced:
- Prepare the slide: Obtain a microscope slide and attach a piece of tape with the sample to the end.
- Initiate Staining: Take the prepared slide with the tape sample.
- Dip in Red Stain: Dip the sample area of the tape into the red stain solution.
- Repeat Dipping: Repeat this dipping action 10 to 12 times.
This repeated dipping ensures the stain adequately penetrates the sample on the tape, allowing cellular structures and potential pathogens like bacteria or yeast to take up the stain and become discernible under microscopic examination.
While this reference specifically mentions dipping in a red stain, a complete cytology stain typically involves multiple solutions (often a fixative, a red/eosinophilic stain, and a blue/basophilic stain) to differentiate various cellular components and microorganisms by color. However, following the specific instruction from the reference provided, the staining step highlighted is the repeated dipping in the red stain.
Understanding the specific stains used is crucial for proper microscopic interpretation. Different stains highlight different structures:
- Red/Eosinophilic Stains: Often stain components like cytoplasm, red blood cells, and eosinophilic granules pink or red.
- Blue/Basophilic Stains: Often stain components like nuclei, bacteria, and mast cell granules blue or purple.
By following the described dipping technique in the red stain, the sample is prepared for subsequent steps (like dipping in other stains if using a multi-step system, rinsing, and drying) before being viewed under the microscope to aid in diagnosis.
