[Histonet] Stains for pneumocystis

[Bell, Lynne]

My fellow Histonetters,
 
I would like to know what stain you are using for pneumocystis.  We are
presently using a "modified" GMS that takes approximately one hour and
15 minutes to perform.  A few of our physicians would like something a
bit faster.  (Of course, I would like to get the specimen sometimes
before 3 p.m., but that is another story for another time!)  I have also
found that a Thin Prep slide from a BAL is the best specimen.  We have
tried direct smears and Cyto-spins with much less success.
 
Thanks is advance, 
Lynne
 
Lynne A. Bell, HT (ASCP)
Laboratory
Central Vermont Hospital
P.O. Box 547
Barre, VT 05641
(802)371-4122