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| Chemicals \ Swartz Lamkins |
Swartz Lamkins Fungal Stain Information
| Swartz Lamkin Fungal Stain is based on a formula and technique described
by JH Swartz, and BE Lamkins, in:
A Rapid, Simple Stain for Fungi in Skin, Nail Scrapings and Hairs published
in the Archives of Dermatology, Vol 89, pages 89-94, 1964.
Their technique included the use of potassium hydroxide with Parker's Blue ink.
Delasco manufactures this stain, using the original powdered stain, from Parker, from which the Parker Ink is manufactured. This pure powder, called "Parker PP ink" is dissolved in a solution containing a surfactant and potassium hydroxide, and is supplied ready to use, without any additional mixing. The product is provided with a three year expiration date, but testing has shown that the staining characteristics are maintained for about three years when stored in an open area, exposed to ambient light.
The stain is used in the same manner as is a potassium hydroxide preparation. The scrapings are put on a glass slide, and covered with a cover slip. Two or three drops of the stain are applied to the slide at the edge of the cover slip are allowed to infiltrate under the slip by capillary action. Excess stain should be gently blotted off. Thin scrapings, such as suspected tinea versicolor, may be examined immediately. Thicker scrapings may be warmed gently (avoiding boiling) by passing though an alcohol flame several times.
If any of the scrapings are thick, the cover slip may be gently pressed down onto the slide compressing the scale. Examine. Usually reduced light, similar to a potassium hydroxide examination is best. Occasionally, examination under bright light is more effective.
Thicker scrapings may need to "incubate" for 10 or 15 minutes before examination, especially nail scrapings, which should have been taken as thin as possible.
Hyphae and spores take up the stain, appearing dark blue, in a light blue cellular background. Usually they are quite obvious. Cloth fibers may also take up the stain, but they can usually be differentiated as they are often out of the plane of the tissue, usually larger than hyphae, irregular in diameter, and often have an irregular spiral configuration.
Swartz-Lamkins can be used to stain Durotak Preparations from which either a temporary or permanent preparation can be made.
It is easy for an experienced observer to diagnosis the presence or absence of hyphae in a preparation. Neophytes may have some difficulty differentiating from some artifacts. Some writers have observed that a counterstain utilizing Rose Bengal stains the background red, but does not stain hyphae and may make interpretation easier.
Delasco Swartz-Lamkin stain is provided in 1/2 oz and 1 oz plastic squeeze dropper bottles. The stain should be discarded when it begins to take on a pinkish/lavender color. The effective color is a royal or dark blue.
Delasco also has available, Rose Bengal Counterstain for use with the Swartz-Lamkin stain technique, and it also is supplied in 1/2 oz and 1 oz plastic drop dispensing containers.
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