The mucicarmine staining process involves several steps to ensure optimal visualization of mucin. First, tissue sections are prepared and treated with hematoxylin, which stains cell nuclei. The mucicarmine stain is then applied, binding specifically to acidic mucopolysaccharides in the tissue. Finally, a counterstain such as metanil yellow or light green is used to provide contrast, enhancing the visibility of mucin, which appears pink-red against the contrasting background.
