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METHODS AND TECHNOLOGIES

Histology

HISTOLOGY

The primary goal of histological staining methods is to visualize various cellular and tissue structures in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples. These methods leverage the differing affinities of dyes for specific tissue components to identify basophilic, acidophilic, or neutrophilic structures. Basophilic elements, such as cell nuclei, are stained with basic dyes, while acidophilic structures are highlighted using acidic dyes. Since most dyes are aqueous solutions, tissue preparations must be deparaffinized before staining. The process involves hydrating the tissue through a graded alcohol series, applying the stain, and preserving the sample for long-term storage through dehydration and the use of a mounting medium.

The hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stain is the most widely used routine stain in histology, ideal for revealing intricate tissue structures. Hematoxylin, a natural dye, binds to cell nuclei, while the acidic dye eosin stains all acidophilic components like cytoplasm and plasma proteins.

Additional key histological staining techniques are summarized in the table below.

Histological staining methodDetected tissue
Giemsa stain
(standard overview staining)
Differentiation of blood components, eosinophil, granulocytes, plasma cells
Congo red stain (Highman)Amyloid deposits and elastic fibers
Periodic acid Schiff
(PAS) stain
Glycogen, cellulose, mucopolysaccharides, mucoproteins, glyoclipids
Picrosirius red stainCollagen fibers type I and III, muscle fibers
Iron stainIron deposits
Silver stain
(Gordon & Sweets)
Reticulin fibers

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