Brown Hopps Gram modification uses which sequence?

Study for the CAMLPR Histology Practice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Brown-Hopps Gram modification follows the same sequence of a primary stain, a mordant, and a decolorizer as the classic Gram stain, but changes the counterstain. Crystal violet is applied first to stain all cells, iodine fixes this dye as a crystal violet–iodine complex, and ethanol acts as the decolorizer. The distinguishing feature is the counterstain: basic fuchsin is used instead of safranin. This choice contrasts with the retained purple of Gram-positive cells, while Gram-negative cells take up the basic fuchsin and appear pink/red after decolorization. So the sequence is crystal violet, iodine, ethanol, and basic fuchsin. Sequences using picric acid or acetone as decolorizers, or using safranin as the counterstain, do not reflect this modification.