UPitt TriState SenNet TMC H&E staining
Marta Bueno
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Abstract
Hematoxylin and Eosin stains are the preferred method for histopathologic assessment of tissue sections.
Hematoxylin is used to illustrate nuclear detail in cells. Depth of coloration is not only related to the amount of DNA in the nuclei but also to the length of time the sample spends in hematoxylin. Eosin is the most commonly used counterstain that distinguishes between the cytoplasm and nuclei of cells. It is typically pink, with different shades of pink for different types of connective tissue fibers. (Note: Bluing reagents, such as Scott's Tap Water, are used to change the hematoxylin from red to the traditional blue color we expect. These slightly basic solutions chemically alter the dye to produce this color change.)
Before start
Make sure that the level of the reagent in each staining line station is the required one.* Verify that all slides are completely dry before the staining starts.
- Prepare the bluing solution by adding 1 mL of 28% Sodium Hydroxide to 400 mL of water.
- The Hematoxylin should be gravity filtered through the Whatman filter paper before use.
- The Eosin is in a ready-to-use state.
Steps
Staining Procedure
Prepare staining line with reagents in the staining train in the order of use.
Place slides into a xylene compatible slide rack and start the deparaffination and rehydration steps.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| Xylene (I) | 4 min |
| Xylene (II) | 4 min |
| Xylene (III) | 4 min (1*) |
| 100% Ethanol (I) | 1 min |
| 100% Ethanol (II) | 1 min |
| 95% Ethanol | 1 min |
| 70% Ethanol | 1 min |
| Water (I) | 5 min |
| Water (II) | 5 min |
| Water (III) | 5 min (2*) |
Note 1*: Blot excess xylene from rack before transferring into ethanol (don't let the slide dry).
Note 2*: Blot excess water from rack before transferring into hematoxylin (don't let the slide dry).
Place the slides in Hematoxylin for 1 minute. Adjust timing by 30 second intervals to lighten or darken the stain.
Wash slides off with water until the purple color is no longer coming off into the water. Leave them in the final water for 5 minutes.
Transfer to bluing reagent for a brief dip.
Wash the slides with 3 changes of water and leave in the final water for 5 minutes.
Transfer to 95% ethanol for 1 minute.
Transfer to Eosin-Y for 1 minute.
Transfer to 70% ethanol for 5 minute.
Follow the dehydration steps:
| A | B |
|---|---|
| 95% Ethanol | 5 min |
| 100% Ethanol (I) | 5 min |
| 100% Ethanol (II) | 5 min (*) |
| Xylene (I) | 5 min |
| Xylene (II) | 5 min |
Note *: Blot excess ethanol from rack before transferring into xylene (don't let the slide dry).
Coverslip the slides by removing them from the final xylene (1 at a time) and dabbing the edges with paper towel to absorb some excess Xylene. Do not allow the section to dry out.
Place 1-2 drops of mounting media on the tissue section and carefully place the coverslip starting on at an angle and laying over the tissue to avoid air bubbles.
Carefully use the cotton tipped applicator to push out any excess mounting media and air bubbles.
Place the slides, tissue side up, in a slide folder to dry overnight.
Note: A Kimwipe tissue can be used to wipe off the applied Xylene and cleaning any residual debris from the slide.
Imaging
Slides will then be scanned by the Center for Biologic Imaging (CBI) using a VS200 slide scanner. Images can be acquired with brightfield scans at (10X, 20X).
