[Histonet] Re: blue mucin

Tue Feb 14 15:40:36 CST 2006

Hi Kemlo,

As with most problems, there are often several factors that enter into
the equation. Old over-oxidised haematoxylins, in my experience tend to
colour tissue elements brown but these solutions are definitely old. 

Fresh haematoxylins, and those that are well within their shelf life
tend to stain mucins when they are not acidified enough.

A haematoxylin that is a little old and more neutral would probably
stain mucins as you have suggested without showing the brown effect.

Regards

Tony Henwood JP, MSc, BAppSc, GradDipSysAnalys, CT(ASC)
Laboratory Manager & Senior Scientist
The Children's Hospital at Westmead,
Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145, AUSTRALIA.
Tel: 612 9845 3306
Fax: 612 9845 3318

-----Original Message-----
From: Kemlo Rogerson [mailto:kemlo.rogerson <@t> waht.swest.nhs.uk] 
Sent: Tuesday, 14 February 2006 7:51 PM
To: Tony Henwood; Michael LaFriniere; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Re: blue mucin

Doesn't that just get round the problem of 'over-oxidised' stain? Is
that not just curing the symptoms but the problem remains that the
haematoxylin is over oxidised?

Kemlo Rogerson
Weston General Hospital
Pathology Manager
Ext  3311
DD   01934 647057
Mob 07749 754194

-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Henwood [mailto:AnthonyH <@t> chw.edu.au] 
Sent: Monday, February 13, 2006 10:07 PM
To: Michael LaFriniere; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Re: blue mucin

Michael,

The mucin staining is a function of the Hematoxylin pH. Lowering the pH
(usually by adding acetic acid) can significantly reduce mucin staining.

Regards

Tony Henwood JP, MSc, BAppSc, GradDipSysAnalys, CT(ASC) Laboratory
Manager & Senior Scientist The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked
Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145, AUSTRALIA.
Tel: 612 9845 3306
Fax: 612 9845 3318

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Michael
LaFriniere
Sent: Tuesday, 14 February 2006 5:21 AM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Re: blue mucin

Any help would be appreciated....

I am noticing recently on routine H&E sections, the mucin on colon
biopsies only, demonstrating a strong blue color....I know the mucin is
picking up the hematoxylin stain and not differentiating in the acid
rinse. I was wondering if anybody has demonstrated this recently and the
possible corrections to end this aggravation. This leads me to believe
that it may be something with the patient prep prior to the biopsy? I am
using the Richard Allen (7221) Hematoxylin and routine reagents.  Any
suggestions would be greatly welcomed!

Thank you

Michael R. LaFriniere
Executive Director
Cytology Services of Maryland (CSM)
301-206-2555 ext 27
301-206-2595 fax
michael.lafriniere <@t> csmlab.com

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