Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) are two dyes used in pathology to stain tissue samples. When a tissue sample is taken from the body (through a biopsy or surgery), it is often very difficult to see the details of the cells and structures within it. Hematoxylin and eosin are used to color the tissue, making these details visible under a microscope. This process is called staining.
How do hematoxylin and eosin stain tissue?
Hematoxylin and eosin stain tissue in two different colors, which helps pathologists see various components of the cells:
- Hematoxylin: This dye stains the cell nuclei blue or purple. The nucleus is the part of the cell that contains the DNA, which controls the cell’s functions.
- Eosin: This dye stains the cytoplasm (the part of the cell outside the nucleus) and other structures within the tissue pink or red. Eosin highlights the supportive structures around the cells, such as proteins and connective tissue.
By applying these two dyes to a tissue sample, pathologists can see a clear contrast between different parts of the cells and tissues, which helps them identify normal and abnormal areas.
How do pathologists use hematoxylin and eosin?
Pathologists use hematoxylin and eosin to examine tissue samples under a microscope. The different colors provided by the H&E stain help them see the overall structure and organization of the tissue. Pathologists look for signs of disease, such as inflammation, infection, or cancer, by assessing the size, shape, and arrangement of the cells and tissues. The H&E stain is often the first test performed on a tissue sample and provides a general overview that can guide further, more specific testing if needed.
What other tests are used in combination with hematoxylin and eosin?
Pathologists may sometimes need more detailed information than what the H&E stain can provide. Other tests may be used in combination with H&E to get a more complete picture:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC): This test uses special antibodies that bind to specific proteins in the tissue. These antibodies are linked to dyes that produce a color change, allowing pathologists to see the presence or absence of certain proteins. IHC is often used to help diagnose specific types of cancer.
- Special stains: These are additional stains that highlight specific tissue components, such as bacteria, fungi, or certain types of cells. For example, a Gram stain can identify bacteria, and a Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain can highlight carbohydrates and mucus.
- Molecular tests: These tests examine the genetic material (DNA or RNA) in the tissue. Molecular tests can identify specific mutations or gene rearrangements important for diagnosis and treatment planning.
These additional tests are often guided by the findings from the initial H&E-stained tissue and help pathologists provide a more precise diagnosis.
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