A Cross-sectional Analysis of Conventional Leishman’s Stain versus Modified Leishman’s Stain: A Study Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: The conventional Leishman’s stain and modified Leishman’s stain are widely used in medical laboratories for the microscopic examination of blood smears. The conventional stain provides good visualisation of cellular morphology, aiding in the identification of various blood cell types. The modified Leishman’s stain, on the other hand, incorporates alterations to enhance specific cellular structures, improving diagnostic accuracy. Need of the study: In the present study, the authors will observe the differences between the conventional staining method and the modified Leishman's stain method, as well as the advantages of the modified Leishman's staining over the conventional staining method. Aim: To compare Conventional Leishman’s Stain with Modified Leishman’s Stain. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study will be conducted from October 2022 to October 2024 at the Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, Maharashtra, India. Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) blood samples will be used for staining. Conventional Leishman’s Stain employs the traditional Leishman’s staining method, while Modified Leishman’s Stain incorporates specific modifications aimed at improving staining quality and enhancing the detection of eosinophils and leukocytes. Several quality control parameters will be assessed, including staining quality, eosinophil and leukocyte visibility, and overall diagnostic accuracy for both peripheral blood smear samples. A panel of experienced haematologists, blinded to the staining technique, independently examines the slides to minimise potential bias. The numbers and morphological characteristics of eosinophils and leukocytes are meticulously recorded, and statistical analysis will be conducted to compare the two staining methods.