Method of staining micro-organisms

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A rapid method of staining micro-organisms with fluorochrome dyes to render them readily visible when illuminated with U.V. radiation and viewed under the microscope is described. The method involves the chemical treatment of the sample containing micro-organisms with phosphate ions to modify chemically the dye-receptor sites in the microorganisms. Suitable additional treatments which enhance fluorescence are also possible, including methylation esterification, hydrolysis, oxidation and treatment with sulphur dioxide. The method is particularly advantageous in the microscopic enumeration of micro-organisms. Also certain techniques are described which permit the determination of viable and …