A new method for the identification and enumeration of chicken heterophils and eosinophils

A method for the direct counting of chicken heterophils and eosinophils using Phloxine B stain and a hemacytometer is described. A solution of 0.1% Phloxine B in 50% propylene glycol stained heterophils and eosinophils obtained from peripheral blood. The cytoplasm of heterophils became completely stained, whereas that of the eosinophils stained incompletely, thereby enabling these cells to be distinguished easily from each other. Identification of cell type was confirmed by comparing cell counts prepared from blood smears stained with Wright's stain with wet mounts (hemacytometer preparations) stained with Phloxine B.