Publication - Factsheet
Aquaculture commercial testing and diagnostic work: staining
The histology laboratory has a wide repertoire of specialised stains.
- Published:
- 16 Mar 2016
The histology laboratory has a wide repertoire of specialised stains.
We participate in proficiency testing (PT) and external quality assurance exercises from VETQAS which gives confidence that our testing is accurate.
See also: Laboratory Quality Assurance
Stains performed:
- Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) – routine stain showing cellular detail
- Gram stain – allows differentiation of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
- Zeihl-Neelson stain – detection of acid fast bacilli
- Giemsa - stains chromosomes, blood cell producing tissues, and certain species of spirochetes and protozoans
- Periodic acid Schiff’s stain (PAS) – detection of polysaccharides such as glycogen, and mucosubstances such as glycoproteins, glycolipids and mucins in tissues
- Masson’s trichrome – distinguishes cells from surrounding connective tissue
- Toluidine Blue – detection of mast cells and visualisation of cartilage
- Perl’s Prussian Blue – demonstrates the presence of iron in tissues
- Martius Scarlet Blue stain (MSB) – demonstrates fibrin in cells
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) – antibodies are used to visualise specific antigens in tissues
If you require stains other than those listed or variations please contact the lab for more information:
Email: MSSAMEDiagnosticgroup@gov.scot
Guidance on the selection of appropriate staining is also available.