[Histonet] Question concerning H. pylori staining

[Bob Richmond]

Michelle (where) asksi: >>We have a question about staining for H-Pylori
Using Quick Stain (Periodic acid 1%, Alician Yellow, Sodium Metabisulfate,
Toluidine Blue stock, Sodium Hydroxide) we notice what clearly  looks like
the H-Pylori purple stained clusters, but after dehydration in 100% alcohol
the purple clusters seem to disappear. Should we just dehydrate using a
slide oven instead of the alcohol? For how long at what temp? Could the
alcohol be affecting the purple color making it too light to see?<<

You identify Helicobacter pylori by its morphology - curved, angled, or
"gull wing" bacilli. Is that what you're seeing? If you do this stain, you
should know how it's interpreted.

The Alcian yellow (correct spelling) method is needlessly complex. What
does the periodic acid do? - A solution of toluidine blue (Diff-Quik 2 or a
generic equivalent) suffices - don't use Diff-Quik 1 with it - dehydrate
through alcohols rapidly.

Bob Richmond
Samurai Pathologist
Maryville TN