Widely used staining technique for bacteria. Steps are as follows heat fix smear; cover with crystal violet for 1 minute; rinse with sterile water (do not blot); cover with GramÕs iodine for 1 minute; rinse with sterile water (do not blot); gently agitate smear in a 70/30 alcohol/acetone mixture for 10-30 seconds with safranin (2.5% solution in 95% alcohol); rinse with water and air dry (do not blot).