Lugol's solution is an aqueous solution which contains iodine (I₂) and potassium iodide (KI) in a ratio of 1:2

Lugol's iodine solution is used for Gram staining and can be used as an antiseptic and disinfectant for emergency disinfection of drinking water, and as a reagent for starch detection in routine laboratory and other medical tests.

In the standard Gram procedure the aniline dyes in the cell tissue of microorganisms form a red dye-iodine complex when exposed to iodine. In Gram-positive microorganisms the dye-iodine complex cannot subsequently be dissolved from the cells by decolorizing agents such as alcohol or acetone. The cells remain dark blue in color. In Gram-negative microorganisms the dye-iodine complex is dissolved and the cell turns red as a result of counterstaining.

Lugol's solution is required to form the dye - iodine complex of Gram-positive bacteria. Stock solutions of I₂ - KI in water are unstable. Iodine can be lost by evaporation and that can influence the result of the staining as well as affecting the working conditions in that area. Stainless steel parts of staining instruments can also be affected by the iodine in the Lugol's solution. If the concentration of iodine in the Lugol's solution decreases the bacterial smears may become more susceptible to decolourization. Therefore, I₂ - KI solutions should always be stored in completely closed bottles.

The problem of iodine loss can be overcome by using polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP) in the I₂ - KI solution. PVP forms a complex with iodine. This complex is more stable and has a longer shelf life. The results of the material treated with Lugol's solution stabilized with PVP will give identical results with regard to differentiation of Gram-positive and Gram negative bacteria compared to the standard Lugol's solution.

Both Lugol's solutions are available - the standard type and the stabilized type. Suitable protocols are available on the internet or on demand.

For further information about the wide range of products available from Merck Millipore for bacteriologica stainings, please contact Merck Millipore (see details above).