Description
Safranin Solution is the red counterstain used in the Gram-staining procedure.
After crystal-violet staining, iodine treatment and decolourisation, Gram-negative organisms take up safranin and appear red, while Gram-positive organisms retain the blue primary stain.
The solution is applied to the decolourised smear for 30–60 seconds before rinsing, drying and examination with an immersion objective.
