Which two stains are constituents of the routine hematology stain?

In routine hematology, the most commonly used stains are Methylene blue and Eosin. This combination is essential in differentiating cellular components within blood smears. Methylene blue serves to stain the nuclei of the cells, allowing for clear visualization of nuclear detail due to its affinity for nucleic acids. On the other hand, Eosin, an acidic dye, stains the cytoplasmic components, particularly the eosinophilic granules found in certain types of white blood cells, as well as red blood cells.

The dual staining method enhances the contrast between cellular elements in a blood smear, providing a more comprehensive view of the morphology and aiding in the identification of various blood cell types and possible abnormalities. This staining approach is fundamental for laboratory assistants and technologists in assessing blood samples for diagnostic purposes, such as identifying anemia, infection, and other hematological conditions.