Giemsavärvimine

Giemsavärvimine is a staining technique used in microscopy, particularly in hematology and parasitology. It is a differential stain, meaning it differentiates between different types of cells and microorganisms based on their staining properties. The procedure involves applying a series of stains to a prepared sample, typically a blood smear or a tissue section.

The Giemsa stain solution is a mixture of methylene blue, eosin, and possibly other dyes. Methylene blue is a basic dye that stains acidic cell components, such as the nucleus and ribosomes, blue or purple. Eosin is an acidic dye that stains basic cell components, such as cytoplasm and red blood cells, pink or red. The specific combination and concentrations of these dyes in the Giemsa stain are crucial for achieving optimal differentiation.

The process usually begins with fixing the sample to a slide, often with methanol, to preserve its structure. The fixed slide is then immersed in the Giemsa stain solution for a specific period, followed by rinsing with water. In some variations, a buffer solution is used for rinsing to maintain the correct pH, which is critical for the staining reaction.

Giemsavärvimine is widely used for identifying blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and their abnormalities. It is also essential for diagnosing parasitic infections, notably malaria, where the parasites within red blood cells are clearly visualized with Giemsa staining. The technique's ability to highlight cellular and parasitic structures makes it a cornerstone in diagnostic laboratories.