Education Guide: Special Stains & H&E, Chapter 21: Biological Micro-techniques

Abstract

Chapter 21 | Biological Microtechniques What Is the correct pH for the hematoxylin staining solution? | What are the “rocks” at the bottom of some bottles of the Harris hematoxylin? | What Is the metallic-appearing material that precipitates on the surface of Harris hematoxylin? | How do bluing reagents work? | What is the correct pH for an eosin dye solution? What is the purpose of the alcohol rinse prior to the eosin stain? | What causes poor nuclear detail in tissue sections? | What is Köhler illumination? | Stained sections sometimes appear sharp microscopically when viewed using the 10× objective, but hazy when seen using the “high-dry” 40× objective. What is responsible for the difference? | Can you recommend an effective way to destain H&E sections? | What is formalin pigment? | How do fixatives that contain metal additives affect special stains, particularly silver stains? | What is B5 fixative and how does it impact special stain performance quality for bone marrows smears and tissue specimens (e.g., Giemsa, Iron staining). What are the regulatory/safety implications in the United States that may affect the handling of “B5” fixative?