Gram Stain

Question 1

When is the Gram stain routinely performed on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Answer 1

• Routinely performed on CSF from all suspected cases of meningitis.

Question 2

What is the value of performing a Gram stain on CSF in cases of meningitis?

Answer 2

• The value of the Gram stain lies in the detection of bacterial and fungal organisms
• Including tubercular meningitis.

Question 3

How does the use of a cytocentrifuge contribute to CSF Gram staining?

Answer 3

• Use of a cytocentrifuge provides highly concentrated CSF specimens

Question 4

What is the result of a Gram stain for a fungal infection, and how does it relate to acid-fast stain results?

Answer 4

• If the acid-fast stain is stained, the Gram stain result will be gram-positive.