Comparison of hematoxylin-eosin staining and methyl violet staining for displaying ghost cells

To compare the merits and limitations of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and methyl violet staining for displaying ghost cells from vitreous or aqueous humor.

A specimen containing ghost cells was adjusted to five different concentrations: (12 x 10(4), 10 x 10(4), 8 x 10(4), 6 x 10(4) and 4 x 10(4) cells/ml) and subjected to smearing and methyl violet and HE staining. The staining results were observed by light microscopy.

The ghost cells were readily observed at a cell density of > 8 x 10(4) cells/ml with methyl violet staining, but only a few cells were occasionally seen at lower cell densities. In contrast, ghost cells were seen at all cell densities with HE staining.

Methyl violet staining is more rapid and simpler for the identification of ghost cells, but its staining color more readily fades, the slides cannot be stored, and it is only effective at a cell density of > 8 x 10(4) cells/ml. In contrast, HE staining is more time-consuming but it can display cell morphology and distinguish cell components more explicitly and slides can be permanently stored. HE staining has advantages over methyl violet staining in detecting the ghost cells when the concentration is < 8 x 10(4) cells/ml.