STAINING, PRACTICAL AND THEORETICAL 



Note: The amounts of the two stains may be varied according 

 to the amount and particular character of the sediment present. 

 More eosin may be added if the cells have not been stained 

 sufficiently red. Enough of the aniline blue should be added 

 to stain the casts a distinct blue, but too much will stain them 

 too dark. 



More permanent slides may be made by adding more glycerine 

 to the sediment and sealing the edges of the cover glass with 

 Laktoseal. 



This technique brings out the detailed structure of casts 

 and cast-like bodies in a remarkable way. It does not furnish 

 a differential stain since all the mucous material is also stained 

 blue. 



Results: 



Hyaline casts are stained a clear blue of varying intensity. The 

 more irregularly shaped bodies, sometimes classed as cylindroids, 

 are similarly stained. An irregular distribution of material, a 

 " mealy " structure, or a striated appearance sometimes becomes 

 evident in bodies which appear perfectly homogeneous before 

 staining. Mucous threads and amorphous material are also stained 

 blue; they are clearly differentiated from the cast-like bodies by 

 their structure. Granular material is usually stained darker. 

 Mixed, fine granular casts present a striking picture of fine, dark 

 granules powdered over the light blue, hyahne body. Some 

 coarsely granulated casts are stained deep blue ; the granules of the 

 others are yellow, orange or dark reddish brown. Renal epithelial 

 cells are usually red, sometimes orange or yellowish. Red blood 

 cells are stained a brighter red. Pus cells are usually red, occa- 

 sionally blue. Epithelial cells from the urinary passages are either 

 red or blue. 



Fat globules are unstained. In cells which are undergoing fatty 

 degeneration, the fat cells are seen strikingly against reddish 

 cellular material. The picric acid gives a light yellowish back- 

 ground. 



Often the stain reveals the presence of lightly stained mucus-like 

 envelope, apparently covering the cast material. This material is 

 often clearly seen at the end of a cast which has apparently been 

 squarely broken off. 



Reference: Behre, J. A. & Muhlberg, W. (1936/7). 



