Modified Steiner method for the demonstration of spirochetes in tissue.

The substitution of lead nitrate for uranium nitrate as used in the Steiner silver impregnation method for demonstrating spirochetes in tissue sections is described. The use of lead nitrate provides a chemical substitute free of any potential radiation hazard without loss of staining specificity. The use of lead nitrate in place of uranium nitrate in the Dieterle method for staining Legionnaires' disease organisms is proposed.