Re: Crystal violet solution in the Gram stain

in article [EMAIL PROTECTED], Maria at
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote on 11/12/03 12:24 PM:

> Does anyone know the function of the ammonium oxalate in the Crystal
> Violet solution used in the gram stain? What if I use inlt crystal
> violet dissolved in a aqueous solution with ethanol.
> 
> Thanks

I know this sounds like a homework question that I usually don't like to
answer, but I couldn't resist. Dr. George Hucker came up with the
modification and published in 1921 at the New York State Experimental
Station in Geneva, NY.

I worked at the Geneva General Hospital in the early 70's and met Dr.
Hucker. In his retirement he had become an accomplished photographer and
loved to come into the lab and take pictures of us and our plates. One of
his favorite stories is to tell everyone that the oxalate that ended up in
the formula was just a complete mistake. He handed some notes to his
secretary to be typed for his grad student. She misread the compound and
typed in ammonium oxalate. The grad student made up the formula and reported
great results. Dr. Hucker then became famous just because he had bad
handwriting!

Anyway, if you look up articles by Dr. Hucker in the early 20's you should
find the information. I think it has to do with stability or the ability of
the Gram pos organisms to hold on better to the stain. Better do your
research.
-- 
John Gentile MS M(ASCP)                     [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Laboratory Information, QA Manager
VA Medical Center
Providence, RI

The contents of this message are mine personally and do not reflect any
position of the Government or VA.