India Ink Stain

This stain is NOT routinely used for sputum. You want to use this test when you suspect Cyptococcus neoformans meningitis. An example of this stain is below. This is the only yeast cell with a capsule.  The capsule excludes the stain and a clear zone is seen around each yeast cell.

India Ink Stain

Image property of J. Michael Miller, Ph.D., CDC, Atlanta, GA. Go to the following url for permissions and usage   http://www.asm.org/Division/c/fungi.htm

I caught you!!! Learning something not specific to the case. What a wonderful concept. Learn on.

The lab returned the very first sputum sample as USELESS for determination of the agent causing Helen's condition.  Click here to find out why they said that.
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