Gram's stain

Gram's stain (grmz)

n.

A staining technique used to classify bacteria in which a bacterial specimen is first stained with crystal violet, then treated with an iodine solution, decolorized with alcohol, and counterstained with safranine. Gram-positive bacteria retain the violet stain; gram-negative bacteria do not. Also called Gram's method.

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Gram's stain

A stain used in microbiology to classify bacteria and help identify the species to which they belong. This identification aids in determining treatment.

Mentioned in: Aminoglycosides, Diphtheria

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Gram's stain

Etymology: Hans C.J. Gram

the method of staining microorganisms using a violet stain, followed by an iodine solution; decolorizing with an alcohol or acetone solution; and counterstaining with safranin. The retention of either the violet color of the stain or the pink color of the counterstain serves as a primary means of identifying and classifying bacteria. Also called Gram's method. See also gram-negative, gram-positive.

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Gram's stain,

n.pr a sequential process for staining microorganisms in which a violet stain is followed by a wash and then a counterstain of safranin. Gram-positive organisms appear violet or blue; gram-negative organisms appear rose pink.

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Gram's stain

a staining procedure in which bacteria are stained with crystal violet, treated with strong iodine solution, decolorized with ethanol or ethanol-acetone and counterstained with a contrasting dye, usually safranin. The iodine alters the structure of the cell wall in gram-positive bacteria so that the crystal violet is locked within the cell. Organisms that retain the crystal violet stain are deep purple in color and are classed as gram-positive and those losing the crystal violet stain are classified as gram-negative and are red in color.