Modified Genta triple stain for identifying Helicobacter pylori

Abstract

Aim - To evaluate whether lead nitrate could replace uranyl nitrate in the Genta stain for H pylori without sacrificing the advantages of the triple stain (Steiner silver impregnation combined with Alcian blue and haematoxylin/eosin (H and E)). Methods - A comparison was made in 16 specimens between the original triple stain and the revised version. One pathologist evaluated all sections. Results - Direct substitution of lead nitrate for uranium nitrate produced well stained organisms without interfering with H and E or Alcian blue staining. No difference was found in the ability to identify bacteria in 11 cases with H pylori density of 1 or 2 (on a scale of 0 to 5). Conclusions - The potential chemical and radiological hazards associated with uranium nitrate can be eliminated by using lead nitrate without sacrificing the advantages obtained by using the triple stain.