BD 212526 - Gram Stain Crystal Violet, 1-Gallon Bottle, Primary Stain for Gram Staining

BD 212526 - Gram Stain Crystal Violet, 1-Gallon Bottle, Primary Stain for Gram Staining

The BD 212526 - BD Gram Stain Crystal Violet is a high-quality, ready-to-use primary stain formulated for use in the Gram staining procedurethe cornerstone of bacterial differentiation in microbiology. Supplied in a convenient 1-gallon (3.78 L) container, this reagent provides consistent and reliable staining performance across clinical, research, and industrial laboratories. Manufactured by Becton Dickinson (BD), the formulation delivers vivid, uniform staining of Gram-positive bacteria, allowing clear microscopic visualization of cellular morphology and arrangement.

As the first step in the Gram stain process, BD Crystal Violet ensures the precise binding of the dye to peptidoglycan-rich cell walls, enabling accurate bacterial classification when followed by the mordant, decolorizer, and counterstain. Its consistent formulation and large volume make it ideal for high-throughput laboratories performing routine bacterial identification and quality control testing.

Key Benefits

The BD Gram Stain Crystal Violet reagent provides deep, stable coloration with minimal background interference, supporting sharp contrast between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Its ready-to-use formulation saves preparation time and ensures reproducible staining results. The reagent is highly stable and compatible with both manual and automated Gram staining systems. The 1-gallon container is designed for efficiency and convenience in busy clinical laboratories, reducing the frequency of reagent replacement while maintaining consistent optical performance. Laboratories benefit from BDs reputation for reliability, precision, and safety in diagnostic staining reagents.

Compatibility and Applications

The BD 212526 Crystal Violet solution is designed for use as the primary stain in Gram staining protocols and is compatible with all standard Gram stain procedures and automated staining instruments. It is suitable for use in:

• Clinical microbiology laboratories for bacterial identification from patient specimens.
• Industrial and pharmaceutical microbiology labs for quality control testing of microbial contamination.
• Academic and research institutions for bacterial morphology studies.

The reagent can be used in combination with BDs complete Gram staining kit components, including Gram Iodine, Decolorizer, and Safranin Counterstain, for comprehensive staining workflows.

Usage Guidelines

For manual staining, apply the BD Gram Stain Crystal Violet solution to a fixed smear and allow it to stand for approximately 3060 seconds. Rinse gently with water and follow with the mordant (Gram Iodine) for another 3060 seconds. After rinsing, apply the decolorizer briefly and then counterstain with Safranin. Examine the stained smear under an oil immersion microscope at 1000 magnification. Gram-positive organisms will appear deep purple, while Gram-negative organisms will appear red or pink. Always follow institutional protocols for timing, washing, and reagent handling to ensure consistent diagnostic accuracy.

Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals

The BD Gram Stain Crystal Violet reagent is manufactured under ISO 13485:2016 quality management certification and complies with FDA and CE regulations for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) reagents. Each batch undergoes rigorous quality control testing to ensure purity, concentration accuracy, and performance consistency. The reagent is prepared from analytical-grade chemicals and conforms to CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) guidelines for diagnostic staining reagents. BD adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to guarantee safe, reliable, and reproducible results in laboratory environments.

Comparison with Competitor Products

Compared with other Gram stain formulations, the BD 212526 Crystal Violet stands out for its superior color stability, minimal background staining, and consistent dye uptake across multiple bacterial species. Competitor reagents may suffer from uneven staining or precipitation after extended storage. BDs proprietary formulation minimizes crystal formation and degradation, ensuring clean, uniform staining even in high-volume or automated systems. Its bulk 1-gallon packaging offers both cost efficiency and consistency over smaller, variable batches from competing brands.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

This product is used by clinical microbiologists, laboratory technicians, and researchers working in bacteriology and diagnostic microbiology. Typical users include hospital microbiology departments, environmental testing labs, pharmaceutical QC labs, and academic research centers. It is essential for routine Gram staining in bacterial identification workflows, including clinical diagnostics, food testing, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceutical validation studies.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

Store the BD Gram Stain Crystal Violet at room temperature (1530C) and protect it from direct sunlight. Always keep the container tightly closed when not in use to prevent evaporation and contamination. Gently mix before use if stored for long periods to ensure even dye distribution. Use only clean, dry glassware and pipettes to prevent reagent degradation. Dispose of used staining reagents in accordance with institutional and local hazardous waste regulations. Avoid freezing the solution, as this can cause crystallization and alter staining properties.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The BD 212526 - BD Gram Stain Crystal Violet is intended for professional laboratory use only and classified as an in vitro diagnostic reagent. It contains crystal violet dye, which may be harmful if ingested or inhaled and can cause skin or eye irritation upon contact. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, lab coats, and safety goggles, should be worn during use. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed handling, storage, and disposal guidelines. The reagent complies with OSHA hazard communication and environmental safety requirements for laboratory chemicals.

How to Order

To order the BD 212526 - BD Gram Stain Crystal Violet, 1-Gallon container, add the product to your cart and complete the checkout process. CIA Medical offers fast delivery, competitive pricing, and dedicated support for laboratory supply needs. For bulk purchases, institutional quotes, or technical assistance, contact CIA Medical customer service at (312) 275-5850 or use the contact form on this page. Our team will assist with product specifications, availability, and documentation to ensure a smooth procurement process.