Brilliant Cresyl Blue Solution (0.3%) ab246813 is a supravital hematology stain for counting reticulocytes in peripheral blood smears. The number of reticulocytes in the blood is a simple measure of erythropoietic performance. Reticulocytes are immature erythrocytes that contain nuclear remnants of basophilic ribonucleoproteins which decreases as the reticulocyte matures. When stained, reticulocytes appear to contain dark blue granules or filaments.

Staining Interpretation:

Reticulocytes: Blue/Green with Dark Blue Granules.

Erythrocytes: Blue/Green.

Leukocytes: Light Blue.

Control Tissue: Blood.

Other products for staining tissue sections

Find more kits and reagents in the special stains guide, or products for antigen retrieval, blocking, signal amplification, visualization, counterstaining, and mounting in the IHC kits and reagents guide.

Procedure: 

1. On a clean slide, apply a volume of Brilliant Cresyl Blue (0.3%) and allow to dry. Note: Volume of stain should be 2-6 times the volume of blood applied.

2. On a second clean slide or coverslip, place a drop of blood and bring in contact with dried stain.

3. Carefully move slides (hinge fashion) until all of the stain and blood are completely mixed and appear blue/black in color.

4. Allow slides to rest flat against each other to spread the stained blood into a thin film.

5. Separate slides and allow films to dry.

6. Check microscopically for adequate staining.

7. Clear slide and mount in synthetic resin. Note: If erythrocytes are not a blue/green color and reticulocytes do not exhibit dark blue granules, increase the ratio of stain to blood.