What Staining Techniques are Used in Examining Aspirates?
Various staining techniques are employed to enhance the visualization of cells and structures in aspirates. Some of the commonly used stains include:
- [Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E)](): This is the most widely used stain in histology, providing good overall contrast between different cell types. - [Papanicolaou stain (Pap stain)](): Frequently used for cytological examinations, particularly in gynecologic samples. - [Giemsa stain](): Often used for blood and bone marrow samples to differentiate between various types of cells. - [Immunocytochemistry (ICC)](): Utilizes antibodies to detect specific antigens in cells, aiding in the identification of cell types and disease markers.