Used as a blood and reticulocyte staining solution. When mixed with whole blood, the RNA and DNA stain deep blue PROCEDURE: SMEARS: Flood slide with Volu-Sol’s Acid Fast Stain for 2 minutes after fixing the smear (heating unnecessary). Rinse slide with tap water. Decolorize smear with gentle stream of Volu-Sol’s Acid Alcohol Decolorizer until stain no longer runs off slide. Rinse slide with tap water. Counterstain slide for 2 minutes with either VoluSol’s Brilliant Green or Methylene Blue Counterstain (based on preference). Rinse slide with tap water, drain, and either air dry or blot gently with absorbent paper. Examine dried, stained slide under oil immersion objective by careful observation. Positive smears should be reported according to established recommendations. EXPECTED RESULTS: Acid fast organisms will appear as brightly stained red bodies. Typical acid fast bacilli will be red, slender, slightly curved, long or short rods, and sometimes beaded or granular. Atypical forms are usually thick or diptherial, very long, or sometimes coccoidal. Background material and other organisms will stain light green with the brilliant green counterstain or light blue with the methylene blue counterstain. STORAGE AND EXPIRATION: Store reagents at room temperature (70-77.9 °F/20-25.5 °C). Maximum intended shelf life is printed on the label. After prolonged storage, some separation of the phenol from the carbol fuchsin may occur. Should this occur, shake the tightly capped bottle vigorously prior to use.