Philippine E-Journals

The Efficacy of Santan Flower (Ixora occinea Linn.) as an Alternative Stain to Eosin Y in Wright-Giemsa Stain

Patricia Erika C Cruz | Almira P De Vera | Anne Denielle M Villa

 

Abstract:

Despite the advances in hematology automation and application of molecular techniques, the peripheral blood smearing has remained a very important diagnostic test to the hematologists. Though Eosin Y is widely used for staining in peripheral blood smearing, it is necessary to develop an alternate potential stain to replace it due to its hazardous nature. A stain should be eco-friendly, safe with good visual clarity, and staining characteristics. This study aimed to develop the extract of Ixora coccinea Linn. (santan flower) as an alternative stain to eosin because its proven cyanidin, flavonoids, and most importantly, anthocyanin content make a good natural colorant source. The flower extract was prepared with the solvent ethanol. Following the procedure of wright giemsa stain in preparing peripheral blood smear, the extract of santan was used as an exchange for commercially prepared Eosin y stain. The characteristics of blood cells in the smear and the intensity of the color were examined under the microscope. Ten percent (10%) concentration, 25%, and 36% were used to assess the parameters like degree of transparency, visual clarity, and uniform of staining. After experimentation and gathering all the results, it was concluded that Ixora coccinea Linn. (Santan) extract is still not an effective alternative stain for WBCs on the PBS. It poorly differentiated the types of white blood cells and barely demonstrated cell morphologies strongly indicating poor effectivity of the solution therefore decreasing the quality of stained smear and causing difficulties in differential counts.