Gram stain

Gram staining is a laboratory technique used to identify bacteria based on their cell wall properties. The process involves applying special dyes to a bacterial sample, which stain the bacteria in different colors depending on their cell wall structure. Gram-positive bacteria retain a purple stain, indicating a thick cell wall, while Gram-negative bacteria do not and appear pink or red after a counterstain. This distinction helps healthcare providers quickly determine the type of bacteria involved in an infection, guiding effective treatment decisions. Overall, Gram staining is a fundamental step in bacterial identification and diagnosis.