[Histonet] Hematoxylin too light

[Paula Lucas]

Hello,

My pathologist here likes the nuclear staining very dark.

Does anyone have such a pathologist who likes a dark nucleus and if so, would you mind suggesting the H&E protocol and brand of hematoxylin used?  

We have the Leica autostainer and I'm using the Richard Allan 7211 with the times of 2.5 minutes in the Hematoxylin 7211 and 1.5 minutes in Eosin.  I use the Clarifier 1 for 30 seconds and the Bluing reagent for 1 minute.  I increased the time to 5 minutes in the 7211, but it really didn't make any changes. I've been using this method for the past several years, but this past year, the pathologist has been complaining about the stain being too pale.

I would appreciate any suggestions.  Thanks.
Paula Lucas
Lab Manager
Bio-Path Medical Group