Histology staining

The topic of Histology Staining will be explored through the fundamentals of histology staining, the techniques used for visualizing tissue structure, and the purposes of common stains like H&E, Masson's Trichrome, PAS, and Giemsa. We will discuss the steps involved in sample preparation and staining protocols, along with how to interpret stained tissue sections. Clinical applications and the significance of staining in disease diagnosis will be highlighted, as well as the limitations and ongoing challenges in the field.. Histology staining is a key technique for visualizing and distinguishing cellular and tissue structures under the microscope. Many cellular components—such as the nucleus, mitochondria, or cytoplasmic granules—are nearly invisible without staining due to similar optical densities. Staining adds color or contrast, significantly improving our ability to observe microscopic anatomy. The process begins with sample preparation: tissues are fixed to preserve structure, embedded in paraffin for stability, thinly sliced with a microtome, and mounted on glass slides. Stains or dye solutions are applied, and their interactions with cellular structures reveal chemical composition and functional state. Staining is crucial for anatomy and cell biology research and clinical diagnosis— differentiating normal from abnormal tissues, identifying infections, and classifying neoplasms. This session will provide an overview of common stains, staining protocols, interpretation of stained sections, diagnostic uses, and ongoing challenges in the field.