Hi everybody ,
                        I am  have need to prepare negative stained
cryptococcus infection impression smears . I know that Indian ink is what
has been traditionally used , however a few technicians have told me that
drawing ink is just as good , and a great deal cheaper . I have taken a look
at each , and they are quite different . Indian ink has quite visible grains
of carbon under 100x magnification , whilst drawing ink doesnt . It appears
to be much finer grains . I was wondering if anybody knows of the actual
difference between these two , and if drawing ink poses any problems .
thanks,
S.McDonald
Laboratory Assistant
Institute of Magnetic Resonance Research