Leishman stain contains methylene blue and eosin in methnol (acetone

free)at the ratio of 1.5gm/1 litre.

The smear is prepared on a glass microscopic slide and stain is poured

on it,dilute after 2 to 3 minutes with buffer for 10 minutes..

Later washed with running tap water and dried.

Observe under the microscope, the cells appear as follows:

Red cells=red to yellowish red.

Neutrophils=dark purple nuclei,pale pink cytoplasm,reddish granules.

Eosinophils=blue nuclei,pale pink cytoplasm,red-orange red large

granules.
Basophils=purple to dark blue nucleus,dark purple-black large granules.

Lymphocytes=dark purple nuclei,sky blue cytoplasm.

Platelets=violet-purple.

Methylene blue is a basic dye gives color to acidic component whereas

eosin is an acidic dye which gives color to basic component.