Rapid, reliable microwave modification of Steiner silver impregnation method for diagnosis of spirochetes and non-filamentous bacteria

A microwave modification of the Steiner silver impregnation method is presented for the demonstration of spirochetes and non-filamentous bacteria. The technique, which uses a 45 degrees C waterbath for reduction and microwave irradiation for sensitizing and impregnation, will consistently produce unequivocal staining of spirochetes and nonfilamentous bacteria in less than 60 minutes. Consistency and speed are dependent upon the acid clean glassware, fresh solutions, exact timing and temperature of reduction step, and microwave technique. In view of the increased demand for excluding infections by treponema, borellia, and nonfilamentous bacteria (such as cat scratch and Legionella pneumophilla), this technique has become an integral and routine procedure. It can be particularly useful in reducing technician and turn-around time in the laboratory.