Aquaculture commercial testing and diagnostic work: staining

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.