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India Ink Reagent Droppers are used to enhance the microscopic detection of Cryptococcus spp. in wet preparations.

India ink facilitates the visualization of cryptococcal polysaccharide capsules. The capsular material of cryptococci displaces the colloidal carbon particles of the ink so that the capsule appears as a clear halo around the microorganisms against a black background.¹

India Ink Reagent Droppers may be used to stain pus, exudate, tissue, sputum and sediment of centrifuged urine and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) specimens.² The India ink smear is particularly useful for CSF specimens because Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of fungal central nervous system (CNS) infections throughout the world.³ The appearance of encapsulated yeast forms in an India ink smear from CSF is diagnostic for cryptococcal meningitis.⁴

1. Examine the reagent for signs of deterioration (see "Product Deterioration").

2. Positive (a 48-h culture of Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC™ 36556), negative (Candida albicans ATCC 10231) and stain (1 drop India ink + 1 drop sterile saline) controls should be run simultaneously with the organism or specimen being tested.

Quality control requirements must be performed in accordance with applicable local, state and/or federal regulations or accreditation requirements and your laboratory's standard Quality Control procedures. It is recommended that the user refer to pertinent NCCLS guidance and CLIA regulations for appropriate Quality Control practices.

India Ink Reagent Droppers contain 0.5 mL of an aqueous suspension of India ink with suspending agent and preservative.

For in vitro Diagnostic Use.

Follow proper laboratory procedures in handling and disposing of infectious materials.