Michelle,

Charcot-Leyden crystals are acidophilic, needle shaped bodies thought to be derived from the eosinophilic granules of leucocytes. They are associated with chronic respiratory disease, particularly asthma. They may be stained by eosin or other acid dyes. In addition, the crystals are birefringent.

Bryan

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From:   Michelle D. Moore[SMTP:tmhpath@amigo.net]
Sent:   April 19, 2002 11:26 AM
To:     Histonet Server
Subject:        HELP - Charcot-Leyden crystals

Help!! I am in a small lab in Colorado and I have been asked to do a GMS
stain for Charcot-Leyden crystals and hyphae on nasal washings. I was able
to find only one reference in my books to this and the stain is not a GMS it
appears to be more of a bacterial stain. My resources are limited and I was
wondering if anyone out in histoland does staining for this and what your
method is. This is a first for me and I need some higher expertise. I was
told that they were looking for Aspergillus - a fungus - and also thought
the patient also had osteomyelitis of the nasal septum. Any suggestions
would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time and help.

Michelle Moore HT(ASCP)
TMH
Craig, CO

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