Histological Staining Solutions

Merck’s histology range includes special stains for frequently used methods such as H&E (hematoxylin-eosin), PAS (periodic acid-Schiff) and van Gieson. Our histology solutions offer a more convenient staining method as they are supplied in a ready-to-use format, and prevent direct contact with dry dyes. Their batch-to-batch consistency increases the reproducibility of results, which is essential for laboratory audits. All of our staining solutions are CE certified IVD-registered products that are accompanied by comprehensive quality and process documentation.

H&E Staining

Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining is the most common detection method in histology. Nuclear staining is achieved using either Mayer’s hemalum stain or hematoxylin solution modified acc. to Gill III. Counterstaining is performed with aqueous Eosin Y solution 0.5%, alcoholic Eosin Y solution 0.5% or 1%, or alcoholic eosin-phloxine solution. All our H&E stains are ready-to-use and require no prior filtration. They also offer high efficiency and robust results with brilliant differentiation.

Giemsa

Giemsa solution is frequently used in histology to stain special material such as bone marrow, tonsils and lymph nodes. Morphological features of the different cells are perfectly visualized. Cell nuclei are stained blue, while other structures appear in various red tones. Giemsa staining can also be used to detect Helicobacter pylori in gastric tissue samples.

PAS (Periodic Acid-Schiff) Staining

PAS staining is used in histology to detect mucopolysaccharides, glycogen, muco- and glycoproteins, glyco- and phospholipids, basal membranes and collagen. The specimen is first treated with periodic acid, which oxidizes 1,2-glycols to aldehyde groups. Then, Schiff’s reagent reacts with the aldehydes, staining them a bright red color. Our Schiff’s reagent offers the advantage that it can be stored at room temperature and used right out of the bottle without any delays.

Alcian Blue

The combination of PAS staining with Alcian blue allows the additional identification of acidic mucosubstances at pH 2.5. When the ready-to-use Alcian blue solution is applied to specimens pre-stained with PAS, nuclei will appear blue, acidic mucosubstances will be light blue, and polysaccharides or neutral mucopolysaccharides will be stained purple. If Alcian blue is used with Nuclear fast red solution, acidic mucosubstances can be identified without differentiation of carboxyl and sulfate groups.