The aim of this stain is to demonstrate the presence of granulocytes. Granulocyte lysozomes contain a rather specific hydrolase that can use the Naphtol AS-D Chloroacetate as substrate. The liberated naphtol reacts with the diazonium salt "Fast Red Violet LB", forming red depots.
Sigma: Kit num. 91C Naphtol AS-D Chloroacetate Esterase
0,1 ml of the sodium nitrite solution
0,1 ml of the Fast Red Violet LB solution
Nucleus can be stained by adding the methylene blue.
Polynuclear cells stain deep red, while the rest of cells remain unstained, or take a light pink to orange red color due to non-specific adsorbtion. Mastocytes and some macrophages are stained with this method.