Histopathology Tissue Staining

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of formalin-fixed tissue?

It is mainly used for electron microscopy.

It cannot be stored indefinitely.

It has less shrinkage in tissues. (correct)

It hardens tissue poorly.

What is a limitation of glutaraldehyde fixation?

It is not suitable for immunohistochem specimens.

It is slow in tissue penetration.

It is too expensive.

It can overharden tissue. (correct)

What is formalin commonly used for?

Gross examination of specimens.

Immunohistochem and molecular tests. (correct)

Electron microscopy.

Cytoplasmic staining.

Why is formalin a popular fixative?

It is cheap and stable. Signup and view all the answers

What is a difference between formalin and glutaraldehyde?

Formalin is faster in tissue penetration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of tissue preparation for staining?

To remove paraffin for water-soluble stain solutions to act on the tissues Signup and view all the answers

What type of dyes are crystal violet and safranin?

Cationic dyes with a positive charge Signup and view all the answers

What determines the color of cytoplasmic staining?

The pH of the solution Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Harris Hematoxylin in H & E staining?

Commonly used in routine H & E stains Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of nuclear staining?

Basic dyes forming dye-salt unions Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between progressive and regressive staining?

Progressive staining is stopped when the desired intensity of color is achieved, while regressive staining is not Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of ammonium aluminum sulfate in the Harris Hematoxylin staining procedure?

To act as a mordant Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH range at which Eosin Y stains best?

pH 4.6 - 5.1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the component of the H & E staining procedure that is used to oxidize the hematoxylin?

Sodium iodate Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using xylene in the H & E staining procedure?

To clear the tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of glacial acetic acid in the Eosin Y staining procedure?

To adjust the pH Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using absolute ethanol in the H & E staining procedure?

To dehydrate the tissue Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fixatives

Formalin is a fixative of choice for IHC and molecular tests, especially the 10% NBF.
It prevents alterations during processing and preserves tissue morphology.
It is cheap and stable.
Tissue can be stored indefinitely, except for immunohistochem specimens.

Glutaraldehyde

Similar to formalin but much slower in tissue penetration.
Used mainly for electron microscopy.
Can overharden tissue, and fixation is best limited to 2 hrs.

Specimen Preparation

Criteria for rejecting specimens must be identified.
Different materials are used for gross examination of specimens.
Failure to form ribbons during sectioning is due to a dull knife or paraffin that is too hard.
Holes in the sections are due to improper block positioning or excessive dehydration.

Staining of Tissues

Staining begins with the complete removal of paraffin for water-soluble stain solutions to act on the tissues.
Nuclear staining involves the use of basic (cationic or positively charged) dyes, forming dye-salt unions, and is "basophilic".
Cytoplasmic staining depends on the pH of the solution (acidic-pinkish, basophilic-purplish/bluish).
Progressive staining is a method where the reaction proceeds "forward" and is stopped once the desired intensity of color is achieved.
Regressive staining involves overstaining the tissue and then decolorizing until the desired element remains stained.

Harris Hematoxylin

A commonly used nuclear stain in routine H & E stains.
Ready-to-use preparations are available.
Now uses sodium iodate instead of mercuric oxide.

Eosin Counterstain

Most widely used cytoplasmic stain in routine staining.
Is the sodium salt of a color acid that stains best at pH 4.6-5.

H & E Manual Progressive Staining Procedure

Involves a series of steps using xylene, absolute alcohol, Harris Hematoxylin, ammonia, and Eosin.

Automated Staining

Uses linear strippers to transfer slides from one container to the next, leaving the slide in each container for the same amount of time.

Mounting and Labeling of Slides

Different types of mounting media are used in histotechnology.
Different types of cover slips are used.
Steps in cover slipping include applying mounting media, applying a coverslip, and sealing the edges.
A slide label includes the patient's name, specimen number, and diagnosis.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about the mechanisms of tissue staining, common issues that can arise during the process, and how to prepare tissues for staining. Understand the importance of nuclear staining and the role of basic dyes.