Wright stain

Wright Stain is a type of histological stain that is commonly used in hematology. It was developed by James Homer Wright, a pathologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States. The stain is primarily used for the microscopic examination of blood smears, bone marrow samples, and cytology specimens.

History

James Homer Wright developed the Wright Stain in 1896 while working at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He was attempting to improve upon the Romanowsky stain, which was the standard histological stain at the time. Wright's modification resulted in a stain that provided better differentiation of blood cells, making it easier to identify abnormalities.

Composition

The Wright Stain is a polychrome stain, meaning it contains multiple dyes. The primary components are eosin and methylene blue, which stain different cellular components different colors. Eosin is an acidic dye that stains basic (or alkaline) structures red or pink, while methylene blue is a basic dye that stains acidic structures blue or purple.

Application

The Wright Stain is used in the staining of peripheral blood smears and bone marrow samples. It is particularly useful in the identification and differentiation of white blood cells. The stain allows for the clear visualization of cellular structures such as the nucleus, cytoplasm, and specific granules. This makes it an invaluable tool in the diagnosis of various blood disorders and malignancies.

Procedure

The procedure for applying the Wright Stain involves several steps. First, the specimen is prepared on a slide and allowed to air dry. The slide is then flooded with the Wright Stain and allowed to sit for a few minutes. Next, a buffer solution is added to the slide to facilitate the staining process. The slide is then rinsed with water, air dried, and examined under a microscope.

See Also

• Histology
• Hematology
• James Homer Wright
• Romanowsky stain
• Eosin
• Methylene blue