One Stain Component Overshadowing Another

Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Troubleshooting Guidance for Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) Stain. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about Troubleshooting Guidance for Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) Stain (online CE course)
One Stain Component Overshadowing Another

It is important that the proper balance of the dyes is achieved. Overstaining with hematoxylin can give the illusion of under-stained eosin, just as overstaining with eosin can cause the hematoxylin to appear lighter than it actually is. So, when optimizing the stain, make sure to only edit the time of only one of the components. This technique will help eliminate the need to spend additional time adjusting the stain.