India Ink Staining Method

**Semantic type:** Laboratory Procedure

**Definition:** A microscopy staining method that utilizes India Ink, a water soluble carbon-based black ink, to determine the presence of microorganisms that are surrounded by a gelatinous capsule. This is a negative staining method in which background is stained in black and the microbes and microscopic structures of interest remain white.

**Synonyms:** - INDIA INK STAIN