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Hematoxylin & Eosin Stain

Test ID: S H&E CPT Code: N/A

Expected Turnaround Time
2 days
Stated turn-around-times (TATs) are for clinical use only and subject to change based on biopharma protocol requirements. Final TATs will be specified in the biopharma study contract.

Clinical Information
Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) is one of the most commonly used special stains in histopathology for routine examination of tissue sections. Hematoxylin stains cell nuclei a blue to purple color, while eosin stains the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix in shades of pink, allowing pathologists to examine tissue morphology and structure. This stain is crucial in identifying various pathological conditions, including tumors, infections, and inflammatory diseases, making it a fundamental tool in diagn

Specimen Requirements


Specimen Requirements
  • Fresh Tissue: Fixative should be at a 20:1 fixative to tissue ratio, 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for 6-72 hours (48-72 hours PREFERRED)
  • Formalin-fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue (FFPE blocks): FFPE Block, Formalin Fixed
  • Unstained slides: 2 slides (3-5 μM) per stain (min 1 slide per stain), Formalin Fixed

Specimen Stability
  • Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissues: Indefinite
  • Fresh Tissue tissues: ≤ 72 Hours
  • Unstained slides: Indefinite

Storage Requirements

15°C to 25°C


Shipping Conditions
Ambient

Shipping Recommendations
  • Fresh Tissue: AMBIENT
  • Formalin-fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue (FFPE blocks) and unstained slides: AMBIENT, Use a refrigerated (NOT FROZEN) gel pack in the shipment to protect from extreme temperatures. Separate gel pack from specimen.
  • Specimens may be transferred to 70% alcohol for transportation purposes after fixation in 10% NBF or B plus.

Specimen Rejection Criteria

Specimens must be fixed in 10% NBF or B plus. All other fixatives will be rejected. 


Test Details


Test Method
Anatomic Pathology

Methodology Category
Anatomic Pathology

Regulatory Status
IVD, CE-marked

Special Considerations
  • Fresh Tissue: Specimens may be fixed in formalin for 6-72 hours by collection sites, then transferred to 70% ethanol and stored at 2-8°C for longer term storage if needed. This is NOT preferred. Samples should be tested 3 months after placing in ethanol.
  • Unstained slides: Positively charged glass slides required to prevent background staining and prevent tissue loss. Slides should be left unbaked.