Conventional histology
Sophistolab offers the full range of conventional histological techniques for fixed and frozen tissue samples. We can cover the entire histology workflow - from sample trimming and dehydration to embedding, cutting and staining.
Processing of fixed and frozen tissue samples
Optimally fixed and processed tissue samples as well as high-quality tissue sections and stains are required to achieve meaningful histology. You can find all the important information about good pre-analytics and optimal tissue fixation as well as recommendations for sending samples in our FAQs Section. .
H&E and histological special stains
H&E staining is the gold standard in histology. That is why we prepare an H&E stain for you from every tissue section.
In addition, we have a large portfolio of special histological stains that can be used to visualise specific tissue structures or substances in the sample.
If you cannot find the desired stain in our list, please contact us. We would be pleased to set up the desired stain for you.
Overview of staining
| Alcian blue | Detection of acidic mucopolysaccharides and sulphated glycosaminoglycans |
|---|---|
| Alcian blue-PAS | Combination stain of Alcian blue and PAS reaction |
| Alcian blue-Sirius red (quadchrome) | Combination stain of Alcian blue and Picro Sirius red |
| Alizarin red | Detection of calcium / calcifications |
| Prussian blue | Visualisation of trivalent iron |
| Elastica stain | Visualisation of elastic fibres |
| Elastica-van-Gieson | Differentiation staining of muscles, cytoplasm, elastic and collagen fibres |
| FITE - FARACO | Detection of acid-resistant bacteria (Nocardia) |
| Giemsa stain | Differentiation stain for lymphatic tissue, blood and bone marrow smears |
| Gomori silver stain | Visualisation of reticular fibres |
| Gram staining | Detection of bacteria / differentiation between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria |
| Grocott silver stain | Detection of fungi |
| Congo | Detection of amyloid |
| Luxol Fast Blue | Visualisation of myelin sheaths |
| Masson's trichrome blue | Differentiation staining of muscles, cytoplasm and collagen fibres (blue visualisation) |
| Masson's trichrome green | Differentiation staining of muscles, cytoplasm and collagen fibres (green visualisation) |
| Oil Red O | Detection of neutral fats |
| PAS-reaction | Detection of glycogen, neutral mucopolysaccharides and proteoglycans |
| Picro Sirius red | Visualisation and differentiation of collagen type I and type III |
| Toluidine Blue stain | Visualisation of mast cells |
| Van Kossa silver stain | Detection of calcium / calcifications |
| Ziehl Neelsen | Detection of acid-resistant bacteria (mycobacterium) |