Brilliant Cresyl Blue
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Brilliant cresyl blue is an oxazine dye used in microscopy as a protoplasmic poison and for the vital staining of erythrocytes and protozoa. It is particularly noted for revealing a special metachromatic substance in red blood cells.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
BRILLANTKRESYLBLAU, brilliant cresyl blue, an oxazine dye, is a blue-green powder yielding a blue aqueous solution. Brilliant cresyl blue is a strong protoplasmic poison, but nevertheless it is used in microtechnique for the vital staining of erythrocytes, because with its help a special metachromatic substance can be detected in them (see Blood). In strong dilutions (up to 1 : 20,000) it is also used for the vital staining of protozoa.
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Cite this page
“Brilliant Cresyl Blue.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/brilliant-cresyl-blue/