The hematoxylin and eosin stain in anatomic pathology-An often-neglected focus of quality assurance in the laboratory

Semin Diagn Pathol. 2019 Sep;36(5):303-311. doi: 10.1053/j.semdp.2019.06.003. Epub 2019 Jun 4.

Abstract

Accuracy in morphological diagnosis is the cornerstone of anatomic pathology. Proficiency with the microscope offers values to the health care system that cannot be overestimated. However, that skill is only possible if high-quality histological substrates are available for assessment, particularly focusing on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides. This brief review considers the several steps that are necessary to control in the preparation of high-quality H&E sections, including those dealing with fixation, embedding, microtomy, histochemical staining, and coverslipping. A table for the troubleshooting of problem slides is also included.

Keywords: Hematoxylin and eosin; Histochemistry; Histotechnology; Light microscopy; Quality assurance.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coloring Agents
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)*
  • Hematoxylin*
  • Humans
  • Laboratories / standards
  • Paraffin Embedding / methods
  • Paraffin Embedding / standards
  • Pathology, Clinical / standards*
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care*
  • Specimen Handling / methods
  • Specimen Handling / standards
  • Staining and Labeling / methods
  • Staining and Labeling / standards*
  • Tissue Fixation / methods
  • Tissue Fixation / standards

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
  • Hematoxylin