Special stain controls are tissue sections that are known to have positive staining reactions with specific special stains. The histologist uses control material to confirm that the stain has worked correctly. Since special stains for carbohydrates are specific each classification of carbohydrate, control sections should be appropriately selected based on classification component.
Special Stain
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Carbohydrate Classification Component
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Required Control
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Alcian blue pH 1.0
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- Section of small intestine, appendix, or colon
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Alcian blue pH 2.5
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- Section of small intestine, appendix, or colon
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Colloidal iron
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- Section of small intestine, appendix, or colon
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Mucicarmine
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- Epithelial mucins (glycoproteins)
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- Section of small intestine or colon containing goblet cells
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Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)
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- Kidney is most sensitive
- Liver should be used when glycogen demonstration is required
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