Identification of Blood Components:Through Staining and Cytochemistry

Abstract: This experiment addressed the following central question: Is it possible to distinguish different blood cells from other blood components using different staining procedures? Identical blood smears were stained separately using Wright-Giemsa and Periodic Acid-Schiff Staining methods illustrated in Dr. Jessen-Marshall’s lab handout. An experimental slide underwent an alternative staining method. By following explicit instructions, smears produced dark-staining blood components for which they were explicitly intended. The results of this lab answered the central question affirmatively as blood components were easily identified under a microscope.

Introduction: In this lab, some simple staining procedures will be learned along with the viewing of the stained cells. Also, the stains will be observed and identification techniques will be used to recognize different blood cell types. Is it possible for different types of blood cells to be distinguished from each other ...