Signature Series Flex is a patented dehydrating reagent specifically designed for processing and staining of histological and cytological tissue specimens. Flex is a clear, colorless blend of isopropyl and methyl alcohol. It is a non-controlled substance and does not require record keeping. Flex is available in concentrations of 80%, 95% and 100%. It is readily miscible with water to form any desired grade of alcohol. Flex is miscible with all clearing reagents. Studies have indicated that Flex does not over-dehydrate small tissue specimens as rapidly as ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, when used in accordance with the processing guidelines developed for Flex. The absence of over-dehydration during tissue processing allows for consistent results with both large and small tissue specimens. Flex can be used in tissue processing, staining and as a dye or stain solvent in place of ethyl alcohol. Flex can be used in all special stains that require dehydration in ethyl alcohol and in immunohistochemical reactions that are compatible with alcoholic dehydrants. Flex has been proven to produce brilliant hematoxylin and eosin stains, with crisp nuclear detail when used within designated guidelines. Flex is compatible with both open and closed tissue processors. Flex is a flammable product and must be stored in a flammable fire cabinet.

Signature Series Flex is a patented dehydrating reagent specifically designed for processing and staining of histological and cytological tissue specimens. Flex is a clear, colorless blend of isopropyl and methyl alcohol. It is a non-controlled substance and does not require record keeping. Flex is available in concentrations of 80%, 95% and 100%. It is readily miscible with water to form any desired grade of alcohol. Flex is miscible with all clearing reagents. Studies have indicated that Flex does not over-dehydrate small tissue specimens as rapidly as ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, when used in accordance with the processing guidelines developed for Flex. The absence of over-dehydration during tissue processing allows for consistent results with both large and small tissue specimens. Flex can be used in tissue processing, staining and as a dye or stain solvent in place of ethyl alcohol. Flex can be used in all special stains that require dehydration in ethyl alcohol and in immunohistochemical reactions that are compatible with alcoholic dehydrants. Flex has been proven to produce brilliant hematoxylin and eosin stains, with crisp nuclear detail when used within designated guidelines. Flex is compatible with both open and closed tissue processors. Flex is a flammable product and must be stored in a flammable fire cabinet.

Signature Series Flex is a patented dehydrating reagent specifically designed for processing and staining of histological and cytological tissue specimens. Flex is a clear, colorless blend of isopropyl and methyl alcohol. It is a non-controlled substance and does not require record keeping. Flex is available in concentrations of 80%, 95% and 100%. It is readily miscible with water to form any desired grade of alcohol. Flex is miscible with all clearing reagents. Studies have indicated that Flex does not over-dehydrate small tissue specimens as rapidly as ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, when used in accordance with the processing guidelines developed for Flex. The absence of over-dehydration during tissue processing allows for consistent results with both large and small tissue specimens. Flex can be used in tissue processing, staining and as a dye or stain solvent in place of ethyl alcohol. Flex can be used in all special stains that require dehydration in ethyl alcohol and in immunohistochemical reactions that are compatible with alcoholic dehydrants. Flex has been proven to produce brilliant hematoxylin and eosin stains, with crisp nuclear detail when used within designated guidelines. Flex is compatible with both open and closed tissue processors. Flex is a flammable product and must be stored in a flammable fire cabinet.

Signature Series Flex is a patented dehydrating reagent specifically designed for processing and staining of histological and cytological tissue specimens. Flex is a clear, colorless blend of isopropyl and methyl alcohol. It is a non-controlled substance and does not require record keeping. Flex is available in concentrations of 80%, 95% and 100%. It is readily miscible with water to form any desired grade of alcohol. Flex is miscible with all clearing reagents. Studies have indicated that Flex does not over-dehydrate small tissue specimens as rapidly as ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, when used in accordance with the processing guidelines developed for Flex. The absence of over-dehydration during tissue processing allows for consistent results with both large and small tissue specimens. Flex can be used in tissue processing, staining and as a dye or stain solvent in place of ethyl alcohol. Flex can be used in all special stains that require dehydration in ethyl alcohol and in immunohistochemical reactions that are compatible with alcoholic dehydrants. Flex has been proven to produce brilliant hematoxylin and eosin stains, with crisp nuclear detail when used within designated guidelines. Flex is compatible with both open and closed tissue processors. Flex is a flammable product and must be stored in a flammable fire cabinet.

Clear-Rite, Citrus Clearing Solvent, Xylene Substitute, Xylene, and Toluene are a group of solvents known to act as clearing reagents in the histology laboratory for tissue processing and staining. These clearing reagents are used to “clear” tissue or make it permeable to paraffin in tissue processing. In staining, Clearants are used after alcohol which dehydrates the tissue to enable the slide to be cover slipped with a resinous mounting media.

Signature Series Flex is a patented dehydrating reagent specifically designed for processing and staining of histological and cytological tissue specimens. Flex is a clear, colorless blend of isopropyl and methyl alcohol. It is a non-controlled substance and does not require record keeping. Flex is available in concentrations of 80%, 95% and 100%. It is readily miscible with water to form any desired grade of alcohol. Flex is miscible with all clearing reagents. Studies have indicated that Flex does not over-dehydrate small tissue specimens as rapidly as ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, when used in accordance with the processing guidelines developed for Flex. The absence of over-dehydration during tissue processing allows for consistent results with both large and small tissue specimens. Flex can be used in tissue processing, staining and as a dye or stain solvent in place of ethyl alcohol. Flex can be used in all special stains that require dehydration in ethyl alcohol and in immunohistochemical reactions that are compatible with alcoholic dehydrants. Flex has been proven to produce brilliant hematoxylin and eosin stains, with crisp nuclear detail when used within designated guidelines. Flex is compatible with both open and closed tissue processors. Flex is a flammable product and must be stored in a flammable fire cabinet.

Cytoseal™ 60 is a toluene-based mounting medium formulated from acrylic resins and will not crack or discolor with age. The addition of antioxidants inhibits fading or yellowing of stained specimens. This is a low-viscosity medium that dries quickly and allows for rapid, even spreading which virtually eliminates air bubbles.

Cytoseal™ 60 is a toluene-based mounting medium formulated from acrylic resins and will not crack or discolor with age. The addition of antioxidants inhibits fading or yellowing of stained specimens. This is a low-viscosity medium that dries quickly and allows for rapid, even spreading which virtually eliminates air bubbles.

Cytoseal™ 280 is a toluene-based mounting medium formulated from acrylic resins and will not crack or discolor with age. The addition of antioxidants inhibits fading or yellowing of stained specimens. This is a high-viscosity medium for applications where minimal spreading is desired.

Cytoseal™ XYL is a xylene-based mounting medium that contains an antioxidant to inhibit the fading or yellowing of stained specimens. It is a rapid-drying medium allowing microscopic examination of slides soon after application.

Cytocool™ II and Ice-It™ are intended for use in histology laboratories for rapid freezing of tissue specimens. Cytocool™ II and Ice-It™ have a boiling point of -26.5° C/-15.1° F, which indicates fast freezing. These products do not cause ozone depletion and significantly reduce global warming potential. These products contain tetrafluoroethane.

The Paraffin line is specially designed for tissue processing and embedding of histological and cytological specimens. The product is a white solid at room temperature and a clear, liquid when molten. The paraffin can be used with both open and closed tissue processors. It is also compatible with all embedding centers and manual embedding techniques. Paraffin is used in tissue processing during the infiltration steps. Melting points and polymer content differ between formulations. Choosing which type of paraffin may depend on the tissue density or personal preference of the histotechnician. Softer kinds of paraffin with less polymer tend to infiltrate tissue slightly quicker during processing but yield a softer block during embedding. Softer kinds of paraffin better lend themselves to thicker sections during microtomy. Harder kinds of paraffin with a higher polymer content usually take a little more time to infiltrate the tissue during processing but yield harder blocks that allow thinner sectioning during microtomy. Harder tissue specimens are better supported with a harder paraffin block.

The Paraffin line is specially designed for tissue processing and embedding of histological and cytological specimens. The product is a white solid at room temperature and a clear, liquid when molten. The paraffin can be used with both open and closed tissue processors. It is also compatible with all embedding centers and manual embedding techniques. Paraffin is used in tissue processing during the infiltration steps. Melting points and polymer content differ between formulations. Choosing which type of paraffin may depend on the tissue density or personal preference of the histotechnician. Softer kinds of paraffin with less polymer tend to infiltrate tissue slightly quicker during processing but yield a softer block during embedding. Softer kinds of paraffin better lend themselves to thicker sections during microtomy. Harder kinds of paraffin with a higher polymer content usually take a little more time to infiltrate the tissue during processing but yield harder blocks that allow thinner sectioning during microtomy. Harder tissue specimens are better supported with a harder paraffin block.

The Paraffin line is specially designed for tissue processing and embedding of histological and cytological specimens. The product is a white solid at room temperature and a clear, liquid when molten. The paraffin can be used with both open and closed tissue processors. It is also compatible with all embedding centers and manual embedding techniques. Paraffin is used in tissue processing during the infiltration steps. Melting points and polymer content differ between formulations. Choosing which type of paraffin may depend on the tissue density or personal preference of the histotechnician. Softer kinds of paraffin with less polymer tend to infiltrate tissue slightly quicker during processing but yield a softer block during embedding. Softer kinds of paraffin better lend themselves to thicker sections during microtomy. Harder kinds of paraffin with a higher polymer content usually take a little more time to infiltrate the tissue during processing but yield harder blocks that allow thinner sectioning during microtomy. Harder tissue specimens are better supported with a harder paraffin block.

The Paraffin line is specially designed for tissue processing and embedding of histological and cytological specimens. The product is a white solid at room temperature and a clear, liquid when molten. The paraffin can be used with both open and closed tissue processors. It is also compatible with all embedding centers and manual embedding techniques. Paraffin is used in tissue processing during the infiltration steps. Melting points and polymer content differ between formulations. Choosing which type of paraffin may depend on the tissue density or personal preference of the histotechnician. Softer kinds of paraffin with less polymer tend to infiltrate tissue slightly quicker during processing but yield a softer block during embedding. Softer kinds of paraffin better lend themselves to thicker sections during microtomy. Harder kinds of paraffin with a higher polymer content usually take a little more time to infiltrate the tissue during processing but yield harder blocks that allow thinner sectioning during microtomy. Harder tissue specimens are better supported with a harder paraffin block.

The Paraffin line is specially designed for tissue processing and embedding of histological and cytological specimens. The product is a white solid at room temperature and a clear, liquid when molten. The paraffin can be used with both open and closed tissue processors. It is also compatible with all embedding centers and manual embedding techniques. Paraffin is used in tissue processing during the infiltration steps. Melting points and polymer content differ between formulations. Choosing which type of paraffin may depend on the tissue density or personal preference of the histotechnician. Softer kinds of paraffin with less polymer tend to infiltrate tissue slightly quicker during processing but yield a softer block during embedding. Softer kinds of paraffin better lend themselves to thicker sections during microtomy. Harder kinds of paraffin with a higher polymer content usually take a little more time to infiltrate the tissue during processing but yield harder blocks that allow thinner sectioning during microtomy. Harder tissue specimens are better supported with a harder paraffin block.

The Paraffin line is specially designed for tissue processing and embedding of histological and cytological specimens. The product is a white solid at room temperature and a clear, liquid when molten. The paraffin can be used with both open and closed tissue processors. It is also compatible with all embedding centers and manual embedding techniques. Paraffin is used in tissue processing during the infiltration steps. Melting points and polymer content differ between formulations. Choosing which type of paraffin may depend on the tissue density or personal preference of the histotechnician. Softer kinds of paraffin with less polymer tend to infiltrate tissue slightly quicker during processing but yield a softer block during embedding. Softer kinds of paraffin better lend themselves to thicker sections during microtomy. Harder kinds of paraffin with a higher polymer content usually take a little more time to infiltrate the tissue during processing but yield harder blocks that allow thinner sectioning during microtomy. Harder tissue specimens are better supported with a harder paraffin block.

Decalcifying Solutions are for in vitro diagnostic used for the removal of calcium in pathological specimens.

Decalcifying Solutions are for in vitro diagnostic used for the removal of calcium in pathological specimens.

Tissue Section Adhesive is for use in the water bath to increase the affinity of the tissue for the slide. Pre-mixed and ready-to-use, this adhesive will not interfere with staining reactions and does not create background residue. It also improves adhesion for techniques utilizing heat. Do not use this product with pre-coated slides.

The Amyloid Stain kit is a special stain technique to identify amyloid in tissue sections. Amyloid, a fiber-like protein, can be stained with Congo Red solution. Sodium Hydroxide is added to the solution to break down hydrogen bonds between adjacent amyloid fibers allowing more bonding sites for the Congo Red. A light counterstain with Mayer’s hematoxylin allows contrast. Amyloid can be best detected by the use of green birefringence under a polarized lens of a light microscope. Care should be taken to section tissue sections at a thickness of 7-10 microns for optimal staining.

Iron Stain Kit is an in vitro diagnostic medical device intended to be used by laboratory professionals for the qualitative evaluation of ferric iron in pathology specimens. Iron Stain Kit is intended for use as an aid in identifying iron in tissue sections for the diagnosis of general pathology specimens.

Periodic Acid-Schiff Stain Kit is a staining kit used to detect carbohydrates, glycogen, basement membranes, and fungus in tissue sections for the diagnosis of general pathology specimens. Periodic acid oxidizes these various tissue moieties to aldehydes, to which Schiff Reagent bonds in its colorless form. Rinsing with water removes the sulfurous acid and restores the Schiff Reagent to its rose-colored form.

Fungal cell walls are rich in polysaccharides known as glucans. Periodic Acid Solution oxidizes these polysaccharides to form aldehydes, which in turn react with the silver ions present in the Working Methenamine Silver Solution and reduce them to form visible metallic silver. Gold Chloride Solution tones the sections and intensifies the reduced silver by forming a silver-gold complex. Sodium Thiosulfate Solution removes any unreduced silver from the tissue sections, followed by Fast Green Stain Solution which produces a light green background to further enhance contrast.

Modified Steiner-Steiner Silver Stain Kit aids in identifying spirochetes and non-filamentous bacteria in tissue sections for the diagnosis of general pathology specimens. Microorganisms that stain positively with this technique have a cell wall that will adsorb silver from a silver solution (argyrophilic). The silver is first adsorbed in a non-visible form and is subsequently reduced by the Working Reducing Solution (hydroquinone) to a visible metallic silver.

Methyl Green-Pyronin-Y Stain Solution is intended for used in differentiating DNA and RNA in tissue sections for the diagnosis of general pathology specimens. The reaction is based upon the competition between the slow staining, but doubly charged, methyl green and the more rapidly staining, singly charged pyronin Y. Methyl green has two cationic charged groups that become linked to the phosphate moieties in the DNA. The pyronin Y displaces the methyl green from all sites of linkage except where its double charge gives it a selective advantage (acidic polymer such as DNA). Consequently, the methyl green stains DNA and retains its binding to this substance against the competitive action of pyronin Y. Pyronin Y stains the less polymerized RNA rapidly and displaces methyl green from linkages having smaller polymeric acidic substances (RNA). The reaction is done at pH 4.2 – pH 4.3. The advantage of a low pH is to have the nucleic acids in a charged condition and in their least soluble state.

Mucicarmine demonstrates an affinity for mucins of epithelial origin. Aluminium is thought to form a chelation complex with carmine that binds with negatively charged acid mucins

Gram Stain Kits – Tissue & Film Bacteria can be classified into one of two families based upon structural and compositional differences in their cell walls. Gram-positive bacteria have thick cell walls with high peptidoglycan content, whereas Gram-negative bacteria have thin cell walls with low peptidoglycan content. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria stain with the dye- lake formed by Crystal Violet Solution and Gram’s Iodine Solution. However, during rinsing with Decolorizing Solution, this dye-lake is completely removed from the thin-walled Gram- negative bacteria, allowing them to be subsequently stained with Safranin O Stain Solution. The short duration of the decolorization step enables Gram-positive bacteria to retain the crystal violet dye-lake. Care should be taken when rinsing slides with Decolorizing Solution, as extended rinses can cause the crystal violet dye-lake to be removed from Gram-positive bacteria in addition to Gram-negative bacteria. Within the Tissue Kit only, tissue elements are then counterstained yellow by Tartrazine Stain Solution.

The Acid Fast Bacillus Stain Kit (87016) and components are for use as a kit in special stain techniques to detect acid fast bacteria. A waxy, lipid-rich cell wall surrounds the acid fast bacterium. This cell wall absorbs carbol fuchsin but is resistant to decoloration with acid alcohol. Bacteria that do not have a lipid-rich cell wall easily decolorize leaving the acid fast bacillus. Loeffler Methylene Blue Stain Solution provides a light blue counterstain to provide contrast for surrounding tissue elements from the brick red acid fast bacillus.

Elastic Stain Kit and its components are used as a special stain kit to identify elastic fibers. The elastic fibers stain black due to the dye lake created by the hematoxylin, ferric chloride and iodine mixture. The fibers are overstained and then differentiated with ferric chloride to break the dye-lake complex. To ensure fibers are not over-differentiated, slides should be examined during this step under the microscope. Elastic fibers will be stained black and sharply defined. The Van Gieson solution then counterstains the tissue with collagen staining red and other tissue structures, yellow. The Van Gieson solution will also remove some of the elastic fiber staining so the knowledge of a professional is required for adequate use. After staining, care should be taken in choosing a compatible mounting medium as some mountants can leach the picric acid from the Van Gieson counterstain.

The Acid Fast Bacillus Stain Kit (87016) and components are for use as a kit in special stain techniques to detect acid fast bacteria. A waxy, lipid-rich cell wall surrounds the acid fast bacterium. This cell wall absorbs carbol fuchsin but is resistant to decoloration with acid alcohol. Bacteria that do not have a lipid-rich cell wall easily decolorize leaving the acid fast bacillus. Loeffler Methylene Blue Stain Solution provides a light blue counterstain to provide contrast for surrounding tissue elements from the brick red acid fast bacillus.

The Acid Fast Bacillus Stain Kit (87016) and components are for use as a kit in special stain techniques to detect acid fast bacteria. A waxy, lipid-rich cell wall surrounds the acid fast bacterium. This cell wall absorbs carbol fuchsin but is resistant to decoloration with acid alcohol. Bacteria that do not have a lipid-rich cell wall easily decolorize leaving the acid fast bacillus. Loeffler Methylene Blue Stain Solution provides a light blue counterstain to provide contrast for surrounding tissue elements from the brick red acid fast bacillus.

The Amyloid Stain kit is a special stain technique to identify amyloid in tissue sections. Amyloid, a fiber-like protein, can be stained with Congo Red solution. Sodium Hydroxide is added to the solution to break down hydrogen bonds between adjacent amyloid fibers allowing more bonding sites for the Congo Red. A light counterstain with Mayer’s hematoxylin allows contrast. Amyloid can be best detected by the use of green birefringence under a polarized lens of a light microscope. Care should be taken to section tissue sections at a thickness of 7-10 microns for optimal staining.

The Amyloid Stain kit is a special stain technique to identify amyloid in tissue sections. Amyloid, a fiber-like protein, can be stained with Congo Red solution. Sodium Hydroxide is added to the solution to break down hydrogen bonds between adjacent amyloid fibers allowing more bonding sites for the Congo Red. A light counterstain with Mayer’s hematoxylin allows contrast. Amyloid can be best detected by the use of green birefringence under a polarized lens of a light microscope. Care should be taken to section tissue sections at a thickness of 7-10 microns for optimal staining.

The Amyloid Stain kit is a special stain technique to identify amyloid in tissue sections. Amyloid, a fiber-like protein, can be stained with Congo Red solution. Sodium Hydroxide is added to the solution to break down hydrogen bonds between adjacent amyloid fibers allowing more bonding sites for the Congo Red. A light counterstain with Mayer’s hematoxylin allows contrast. Amyloid can be best detected by the use of green birefringence under a polarized lens of a light microscope. Care should be taken to section tissue sections at a thickness of 7-10 microns for optimal staining.

Elastic Stain Kit and its components are used as a special stain kit to identify elastic fibers. The elastic fibers stain black due to the dye lake created by the hematoxylin, ferric chloride and iodine mixture. The fibers are overstained and then differentiated with ferric chloride to break the dye-lake complex. To ensure fibers are not over-differentiated, slides should be examined during this step under the microscope. Elastic fibers will be stained black and sharply defined. The Van Gieson solution then counterstains the tissue with collagen staining red and other tissue structures, yellow. The Van Gieson solution will also remove some of the elastic fiber staining so the knowledge of a professional is required for adequate use. After staining, care should be taken in choosing a compatible mounting medium as some mountants can leach the picric acid from the Van Gieson counterstain.

Elastic Stain Kit and its components are used as a special stain kit to identify elastic fibers. The elastic fibers stain black due to the dye lake created by the hematoxylin, ferric chloride and iodine mixture. The fibers are overstained and then differentiated with ferric chloride to break the dye-lake complex. To ensure fibers are not over-differentiated, slides should be examined during this step under the microscope. Elastic fibers will be stained black and sharply defined. The Van Gieson solution then counterstains the tissue with collagen staining red and other tissue structures, yellow. The Van Gieson solution will also remove some of the elastic fiber staining so the knowledge of a professional is required for adequate use. After staining, care should be taken in choosing a compatible mounting medium as some mountants can leach the picric acid from the Van Gieson counterstain.

Elastic Stain Kit and its components are used as a special stain kit to identify elastic fibers. The elastic fibers stain black due to the dye lake created by the hematoxylin, ferric chloride and iodine mixture. The fibers are overstained and then differentiated with ferric chloride to break the dye-lake complex. To ensure fibers are not over-differentiated, slides should be examined during this step under the microscope. Elastic fibers will be stained black and sharply defined. The Van Gieson solution then counterstains the tissue with collagen staining red and other tissue structures, yellow. The Van Gieson solution will also remove some of the elastic fiber staining so the knowledge of a professional is required for adequate use. After staining, care should be taken in choosing a compatible mounting medium as some mountants can leach the picric acid from the Van Gieson counterstain.

Gram Stain Kits – Tissue & Film Bacteria can be classified into one of two families based upon structural and compositional differences in their cell walls. Gram-positive bacteria have thick cell walls with high peptidoglycan content, whereas Gram-negative bacteria have thin cell walls with low peptidoglycan content. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria stain with the dye- lake formed by Crystal Violet Solution and Gram’s Iodine Solution. However, during rinsing with Decolorizing Solution, this dye-lake is completely removed from the thin-walled Gram- negative bacteria, allowing them to be subsequently stained with Safranin O Stain Solution. The short duration of the decolorization step enables Gram-positive bacteria to retain the crystal violet dye-lake. Care should be taken when rinsing slides with Decolorizing Solution, as extended rinses can cause the crystal violet dye-lake to be removed from Gram-positive bacteria in addition to Gram-negative bacteria. Within the Tissue Kit only, tissue elements are then counterstained yellow by Tartrazine Stain Solution.

Alcian Blue reacts to compounds containing anionic groups such as acid mucosubstances and acid mucins. At pH 2.5, both carboxylated and sulfated acid mucosubstances are stained blue. Periodic acid is used to oxidize the tissue to form aldehyde groups that are demonstrated by Schiff Reagent. Glycogen and neutral mucosubstances as well as basement membranes will be stained magenta by Schiff Reagent, followed by a tap water rinse to develop and intensify its magenta hues. An optional counterstain may be used to provide nuclear detail. Hematoxylin 7211 is recommended; however, Kernechtrot Nuclear Fast Red may be used if a red nuclear stain is desired

Alcian Blue reacts to compounds containing anionic groups such as acid mucosubstances and acid mucins. At pH 2.5, both carboxylated and sulfated acid mucosubstances are stained blue. Periodic acid is used to oxidize the tissue to form aldehyde groups that are demonstrated by Schiff Reagent. Glycogen and neutral mucosubstances as well as basement membranes will be stained magenta by Schiff Reagent, followed by a tap water rinse to develop and intensify its magenta hues. An optional counterstain may be used to provide nuclear detail. Hematoxylin 7211 is recommended; however, Kernechtrot Nuclear Fast Red may be used if a red nuclear stain is desired

Periodic Acid-Schiff Stain Kit is a staining kit used to detect carbohydrates, glycogen, basement membranes, and fungus in tissue sections for the diagnosis of general pathology specimens. Periodic acid oxidizes these various tissue moieties to aldehydes, to which Schiff Reagent bonds in its colorless form. Rinsing with water removes the sulfurous acid and restores the Schiff Reagent to its rose-colored form.

Biebrich Scarlet-Acid Fuchsin is utilized to stain the acid substances such as the cytoplasm, muscle and collagen. Phosphotungstic-Phosphomolybdic (PTA-PMA) solution is then used to remove the Biebrich Scarlet from the collagen fibers. The cytoplasm will retain the stain due to its permeability. The Aniline Blue is then utilized to restain the decolorized collagen fibers. A 1% Acetic Acid solution may further be used to differentiate the stained tissue section

Modified Steiner-Steiner Silver Stain Kit aids in identifying spirochetes and non-filamentous bacteria in tissue sections for the diagnosis of general pathology specimens. Microorganisms that stain positively with this technique have a cell wall that will adsorb silver from a silver solution (argyrophilic). The silver is first adsorbed in a non-visible form and is subsequently reduced by the Working Reducing Solution (hydroquinone) to a visible metallic silver.

Modified Grocott’s Methenamine Silver Stain Kit (Chromic Acid) is intended for use as an aid to identify fungal organisms and basement membranes in tissue sections for the diagnosis of general pathology specimens. Fungal cell walls are rich in polysaccharides known as glucans. Treatment with either periodic acid or chromic acid oxidizes these polysaccharides to form aldehyde groups; however, chromic acid is the stronger oxidizer. Chromic acid will achieve a greater degree of oxidation, rendering some chemical groups non-reactive with silver so that they are not demonstrated within the final stain. This greater level of oxidation also results in reduced background staining of basement membranes and collagen fibers, as well as more effective demonstration of Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly classified as Pneumocystis carinii) and Histoplasma capsulatum (the causative organism of Histoplasmosis). After oxidation, Sodium Metabisulfite Solution removes residual Chromic Acid Solution from the tissue. The aldehyde groups react with the silver ions present in the Working Methenamine Silver Solution and reduce them to form visible metallic silver. Gold Chloride Solution tones the sections and intensifies the reduced silver by forming a silver-gold complex. Sodium Thiosulfate Solution removes any unreduced silver from the tissue sections, followed by Fast Green Stain Solution which produces a light green background to further enhance contrast.