How to Perform a Capsular Stain

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Insert an inoculation loop into the tube of encapsulated bacteria and obtain a loopful of that organism.

   A bacterium to use could be Steptococcus pneumoniae or Klebsiella pneumoniae.
   
   Since these organisms are facultative anaerobes they will gather mostly at the top of the tube.
   
   Try and scoop the bacterium in that area.
2. 2

   Step 2: Prepare a thin layer or your organism on a glass microscope slide with the inoculation loop.

   You may throw the inoculation loop in the garbage.
   
   Do not heat fix. , You may wave the slide gently in the air, back and forth, to speed up the process. ,, Do not wash off the copper sulfate into the sink. , Blot it gently with bibulous paper.
   
   If you blot too hard, it can break the slide.
3. 3

   Step 3: Air dry your smear.

4. 4

   Step 4: When dry

5. 5

   Step 5: apply the smear with 2-3 drops of 1% crystal violet for 2 minutes to stain your bacterium.

6. 6

   Step 6: Wash off the slide with 20% copper sulfate into a proper waste container.

7. 7

   Step 7: Dry your slide.

Detailed Guide

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