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Nonbacterial Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

These are the MediaLab courses that cover Nonbacterial and links to relevant pages within the course.

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Reading Gram Stained Direct Smears
Precipitated Stain

In this field, the nonbacterial elements and background material are stained blue. This field would not be appropriate for examination because the cells are clumped in distorted masses and crystalline flecks of precipitated stain are easily visible.

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Under-decolorized smear

Although this smear is the proper thickness, it is not appropriate for examination because the nonbacterial elements are stained blue instead of red.In addition, small flecks of precipitated stain are present.Notice that the precipitated stain is irregular in shape, which helps differentiate the flecks from bacteria.The stain should be filtered before using.

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Properly Decolorized Smears

In a properly decolorized smear, background material and nonbacterial cells stain pink and reddish pink, respectively, as demonstrated in this slide. This field is a good example of one appropriate for microscopic examination. Note that the stained material is only one cell thick; therefore cells can easily be counted and identified. Note absence of flecks of precipitated stain.

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Match the Gram stain reaction for each of the following nonbacterial elements.View Page
Epithelial cells

After finding an appropriate field, identify the nonbacterial cells first. Epithelial cells stain gram negative and are easily recognized by their large size and nonsegmented nucleus.

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Principle

Gram stained direct smears are examined using the oil immersion objective (100x) of the microscope. The quantity and type of bacteria and nonbacterial cellular elements present is recorded.

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Overall Procedure

View control smears under oil immersion. If the control smears stained correctly, read the remainder of the smears.Look at the direct smear macroscopically to locate the stained area.Examine the direct smear under oil immersion and find an area that is properly decolorized.Examine at least ten fields in an area that is properly decolorized.Identify the following nonbacterial cell types: epithelial cells, white blood cells, red blood cells, yeast and hyphae.Look for microorganisms and record their characteristics.Quantitate each type of element found and record on the work card.Interpret the direct smear result.Report the direct smear finding.

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