Definition
A Gram stain is a laboratory test used to identify bacteria. It categorizes them as either Gram-positive or Gram-negative based on cell wall structure. Itβs a fundamental tool in microbiology for differentiating bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria retain a violet color, while Gram-negative bacteria turn pink after the staining process. It is an initial step in diagnosing bacterial infections. It helps doctors decide which antibiotics will be most effective.