The capsule of cryptococcus neoformans in a CSF sample is best seen by -

Cryptococcus is the capsulated yeast. Among the given staining techniques, India ink preparation is the best staining technique used for demonstration of capsule (negative staining) - sensitivity of the technique: 60–75%. Other capsular staining techniques are: 10% Nigrosin staining Modified India ink preparation with 2% chromium mercury Alcian blue staining Methanamine silver and Periodic acid- Schiff – used for tissue sample. Sensitivity of various diagnostic tests- Harrison 18/e p1652 Cryptococcal antigen detection in CSF—90% Blood culture: 10—30% in non-HIV patients and 60% in HIV patients Sputum culture: 10% Sputum antigen detection: 30%