Lactophenol Stain for Fungi

Fungi may be stained using a lactophenol preparation. A sample of the fungus should be placed on a slide with a few drops of 95% ethanol, and teased out. The alcohol is allowed to dry and a few drops of a preparation of lactophenol are added. This is prepared by mixing 20 ml of distilled water, 20 ml of lactic acid, and 40 ml of glycerol and adding 20 g of phenol. When the phenol has dissolved, 

075 g of methylene blue is added. The prepared slide is then covered with a coverslip which is pressed flat gently, and excess stain is removed from around the edge with blotting paper. 

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