Staining and Identification of Pigments and Minerals in Tissue

Abstract

A variety of pigments and minerals occur in the body naturally or when pathologic conditions present. Proper classification, identification, and demonstration of common pigments and minerals encountered in the histology laboratory are necessary to achieve the correct diagnosis and to assure the highest quality patient care.

Classification and staining methods for artifact pigment, endogenous hematogenous & non-hematogenous, exogenous pigments and minerals will be discussed. The attendee will gain tips and troubleshooting techniques for the prevention and/or removal of artifact pigments as well as staining procedures for the demonstration of:

• ferric & ferrous iron • bile • lipofuscins • melanin • asbestos • calcium • urates • copper

The focus will be on the identification of common problems, how to avoid, recognize and correct them efficiently and accurately without risk of wasting patient sample. Knowledge of the basic fundamentals of general staining techniques and tissue identification is recommended but not required.