After sending the below message, I discovered a reference in Edward Gurr's 
1960 book "Encyclopeadia of Microscopic Stains"(which I have). On page 266 
Gurr talks about the Loeffler's Alkaline Methylene Blue method. He 
references his 1956 book "A Practical Manual of Medical and Biological 
Staining Techniques" and talks about "a number techniques in which methylene 
blue is employed." Perhaps if someone out there has the 1956 Gurr book, you 
could check it for me. Probably indexed as McFadyeans's Methylene Blue or 
Loeffler's Alkaline Methylene Blue.  Thank you.  :)

Original Message:

If you do a stain called McFadyean's Methylene Blue on paraffin sections or 
if you do any stain specific for the capsule of Bacillus anthrasis, I would 
like to hear from you. (No, we do not expect to see any......just want to 
look some control blocks using a stain specific for the capsule.)

Through several internet searches I have found very little about or 
references to McFadyean's. I do know it is usually used on smears. It is a 
simple stain using aged Loeffler's Methylene blue. That is can be rapidly 
oxidized by the use of heat (Unna's polychrome). Thank you Dr. Kiernan. Your 
site of FAQ was most helpful.

I am still searching through microbiologically staining sites. Any help 
would be most appreciated.  Any internet site suggestions appreciated.

But if I am really lucky, one of you will be my 'saving grace' and will be 
able to share some valuable insight and/or experience with McFadyean's 
Methylene Blue.


Histologically yours,

Barbara H. Stancel, HTL(ASCP)HT
USDA, FSIS, OPHS, Eastern Laboratory, Pathology
RRC, 950 College Station Road
Athens, Georgia  30604
phone: (706) 546-3556
fax: (706) 546-3589




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