Special Stain, Grocott's Methenamine Silver (GMS)
Also known as: GMS SS
Use
Grocott's Methenamine Silver (GMS) is a histochemical special stain used in anatomic pathology to demonstrate fungal organisms and other structures (e.g., melanin, mucins, glycogen) in formalin-fixed, paraffin‑embedded tissue specimens. This stain facilitates identification of fungi (such as Pneumocystis jirovecii) by imparting a distinct color contrast under microscopic examination.
Special Instructions
This test is performed as a stain and return (technical) service only. Submit electronic request; if electronic ordering not available, use the ARUP Anatomic Pathology Test Request Form (ARUP form #32960) with an ARUP client number. Contact ARUP Client Services at 800‑522‑2787 for technical or interface questions.
Limitations
Unacceptable specimens include non‑representative tissue types or depleted specimens. Frozen specimens are unacceptable. Protect paraffin block and/or slides from excessive heat. Minimum submission is one slide (two unstained 3‑5 micron thick, positively charged slides), or tissue block, in tissue transport kit #47808. The stain and return nature indicates limited interpretive service—ARUP performs the stain and returns the slide without interpretive pathology report.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6671-2
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Tissue
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Collection Instructions
Formalin fix (10 percent neutral buffered formalin is preferred) and paraffin embed specimen (cells must be prepared into a cellblock). Protect paraffin block and/or slides from excessive heat. Transport tissue block or 2 unstained (3‑ to 5‑micron thick) positively charged slides in a tissue transport kit (ARUP supply #47808). (Min: 1 slide).
Storage Instructions
Room temperature or refrigerated; ship in cooled container during summer months.
Causes for Rejection
Nonrepresentative tissue type; depleted specimens; frozen specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Indefinitely |
| Refrigerated | Indefinitely |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |