Staining Basics
What stain is commonly used?
Diff-Quik
What magnification do you start with?
10x
What is an antigen?
What is an antibody?
A substance that triggers an immune response
A protein that binds to a specific antigen
Which WBC is most abundant?
Neutrophil
First responder to inflammation; most common in circulation.
What cell has a horseshoe-shaped nucleus?
Band neutrophil
Immature neutrophil—important for identifying left shift.
First step in staining?
Methanol fixative
Fixes cells to slide
What lens uses immersion oil?
100x
Needed for detailed cell evaluation.
Which lymphocyte is responsible for antibody production?
B lymphocyte (B Cells)
B cells differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies.
Which cell is the largest WBC?
Monocyte
Large size reflects role in engulfing large debris.
Which cell produces antibodies?
Lymphocyte
Specifically B cells → antibody production.
What does eosin stain?
Basic components (hemoglobin, granules)
Where do you evaluate cells best?
Monolayer
Cells are evenly spaced, not overlapping.
Which lymphocyte directly kills infected cells?
T lymphocyte (T cell)
These destroy virus-infected cells
What WBC is associated with parasites/allergies?
Eosinophil
Responds to parasites and allergic reactions.
Which WBC contains bright pink/red granules?
Eosinophil
What does methylene blue stain?
Acidic components (nucleus)
What is the purpose of immersion oil?
Improves resolution by reducing light refraction
Vaccination provides what type of immunity?
What WBC contains heparin and histamine granules?
Basophil
Important in allergic responses.
Which WBC contains dark blue/purple granules that may obscure the nucleus?
Basophil
What happens if you skip the fixative step?
Cells wash off slide
What is the purpose of the condenser?
Focuses light on the specimen
Receiving antibodies provides what type of immunity?
Passive immunity
Immediate protection, but no memory formed
What does a “left shift” indicate?
Immature neutrophils present
Bone marrow is releasing cells early due to infection/inflammation.
Which cell is called the “garbage truck”?
Monocyte