A hypochlorite-fast metachromatic quick stain for human megakaryocytes.

Megakaryocytes in aspirates of normal and abnormal human bone marrow displayed rose-pink metachromasia when stained with a violet polymethine dye. The color of the megakaryocytes persisted when the stained sample was exposed to a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite. Under the same conditions, other hematopoietic cells became colorless. This stain may be useful for demonstrating megakaryocyte from both healthy and diseased bone marrow specimens.