Liofilchem Lugol's Iodine, 250mL

The Liofilchem® Lugol's Iodine solution is a diagnostic reagent widely used in microbiology and medical laboratories. It is primarily employed as a staining agent and reagent in various analytical and clinical applications, such as Gram staining, intestinal parasite detection, and other microscopic evaluations.

Key Features

1. Composition:
   • Iodine: Acts as a mordant, enhancing the binding of crystal violet to the peptidoglycan layers in bacterial cell walls.
   • Potassium Iodide: Solubilizes iodine in the solution, ensuring a homogenous and effective reagent.
   • Purified Water: Base medium for diluting the active components.
2. Packaging Options:
   • 250 mL bottle: Ideal for small to medium-scale laboratories.
   • 1 L bottle: Suitable for high-throughput laboratories with extensive testing requirements.
3. Physical Properties:
   • Appearance: Clear, dark amber liquid.
   • Solubility: Completely water-soluble for easy preparation and application.
4. Quality and Compliance:
   • Prepared under stringent quality control to ensure consistency and reliability in diagnostic procedures.
   • Free from contaminants that could interfere with laboratory results.
5. Shelf Life and Storage:
   • Store at room temperature (10–25°C) in a tightly closed container, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
   • Shelf life: Typically 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored correctly.

Applications

1. Microbiology:
   • Gram Staining:
     • Lugol's Iodine serves as a mordant in Gram staining, enhancing the retention of crystal violet dye in Gram-positive bacteria.
   • Fungal and Protozoan Detection:
     • Used as a contrast agent for highlighting intracellular and extracellular structures under the microscope.
2. Parasitology:
   • Detects and highlights intestinal protozoan cysts and other parasite stages in stool samples.
   • Provides a clear and consistent background for easier visualization of parasitic forms.
3. Medical Diagnostics:
   • Enhances contrast in microscopic preparations, aiding in the identification of microbial pathogens.
4. Research and Education:
   • Widely used in academic settings for teaching Gram staining techniques and other microscopic methods.

Usage Instructions

1. Preparation:
   • The reagent is supplied ready-to-use; no dilution or mixing is required.
2. Procedure:
   • Gram Staining:
     • After applying crystal violet and rinsing, add Lugol's Iodine to the slide.
     • Leave for 1 minute to allow the iodine to form a complex with the crystal violet.
     • Rinse and proceed with the decolorization step.
   • Parasitology:
     • Add a drop of Lugol's Iodine to the sample preparation on a microscope slide to enhance visibility.
3. Microscopic Examination:
   • Observe under the microscope to assess bacterial cell wall characteristics (Gram staining) or parasite morphology.

Advantages

1. Reliable Diagnostic Reagent:
   • Ensures consistent results in Gram staining and parasitological studies.
2. High-Quality Formulation:
   • Free from impurities, providing clear staining and enhanced contrast for microscopic examination.
3. Versatile Applications:
   • Suitable for bacterial, fungal, and parasitic investigations.
4. Convenient Packaging:
   • Available in two sizes (250 mL and 1 L) to meet the varying needs of laboratories.

Precautions

1. Handling:
   • Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and safety goggles.
   • Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
2. Storage:
   • Keep out of reach of children and unauthorized personnel.
   • Store in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry location.
3. Disposal:
   • Dispose of unused solution and containers in accordance with local regulations for chemical waste.

Quality Control

• Positive Control:
  • Consistent retention of crystal violet in Gram-positive bacteria when used in Gram staining.
• Negative Control:
  • Absence of interference or artifacts in parasitology slides.

The Liofilchem® Lugol's Iodine (250 mL and 1 L) is a reliable and high-quality diagnostic reagent essential for laboratories conducting Gram staining, parasitology studies, and other microscopic evaluations. Its consistent performance and ease of use make it an indispensable tool in clinical, research, and educational microbiology settings.