Calcofluor white as an aid to diagnosing fungal conditions
Thomson, J.R.; Robertson, N.
Veterinary Record 124(9): 227-228
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 2929115 Document Number: 345023
Calcofluor white staining and fluorescent microscopy using excitation light of 500 nm was used to demonstrate fungal hyphae and spores in a variety of specimens. The calcofluor white bound to chitin in fungal cell walls and fluoresced blue-green on excitation with ultraviolet light. One drop of a solution of calcofluor white in distilled water (0.1% weight/volume) was mixed with samples of discharges or fluids on a microscope slide. The calcofluor white was incorporated in potassium hydroxide solution for hair samples and skin scrapings. For paraffin embedded tissue or fresh-frozen tissue 4-5 drops of calcofluor white solution were placed on unstained sections and allowed to stand for one minute before rinsing with tap water and counterstaining with Evans blue to minimise background fluorescence.