Performance should include
- preparation of a Gram stain using crystal violet, Gram's iodine, decolorizer, and safranin
- examination of a Gram-stained smear for gram-positive and gram-negative organisms
- explanation of the observed morphology.
Process/Skill Questions:
- Why is immersion oil used when examining a smear for bacteria?
- What is the importance of using the correct order of reagents when performing a Gram stain?
- How do gram-positive organisms appear on a Gram stain?
- How do the gram-negative organisms appear on a Gram stain?
- How does one differentiate between primary stain vs. counterstain?