What is diff quik stains?

Diff Quik stains are a group of histological stains used to visualize various structures in a tissue sample. These stains are commonly used in clinical laboratories for diagnosing various diseases. Diff Quik stains are named after the company that produces them, and include three different stains (eosin, methylene blue, and azure B) that can be used in combination to provide a range of staining properties.

Eosin is a pink or red stain that highlights structures such as collagen, cytoplasm, and muscle fibers. Methylene blue is a blue stain that highlights nuclear structures, such as chromosomes, and can also be used to visualize bacteria. Azure B is a blue-green stain that highlights fat droplets in cells.

Diff Quik stains are commonly used in cytology, bacteriology, and hematology. They are rapid, easy-to-use stains that can be performed in a matter of minutes, making them ideal for urgent or emergency diagnoses. While they are not as well-suited for detailed histologic analysis as traditional stains such as hematoxylin and eosin, they provide a quick and reliable means of visualizing important structures in a sample.