Modified staining techniques for avian blood cells.

1. Two routine staining methods for domestic fowl blood cells have been modified with superior results. 2. Type of anticoagulant had a major effect on staining quality: EDTA gave excellent results whereas lithium heparin was unsatisfactory. 3. Unfixed blood smears were preferred to smears fixed in methanol before staining with May Grunwald and Giemsa's stain. Intact heterophil and basophil granules were clearly demonstrated. 4. Staining for 60 min in Natt and Herrick's haemocytometer diluent improved the differentiation between small lymphocytes and thrombocytes.