Services
We provide histological processing services, including fixation, dehydration, embedding, microtomy, and mounting of paraffin sections for both diagnostic and research purposes. We offer a broad range of histochemical and immunohistochemical staining methods that support routine examinations as well as diagnostic applications.
Stainings
Here you will find a selection of our most commonly used and popular stains. The stains are organized by application area.
Standard staining
Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E): Stains cell nuclei, cytoplasm, and extracellular matrix.
Connective tissue and structures
Hematoxylin, Eosin, and Saffron (HES): Stains nuclei, cytoplasm, collagen, and extracellular matrix.
Movat Pentachrome: A stain that reveals five components: collagen, elastic fibers, muscle, mucin, and fibrin.
Van Gieson: Distinguishes collagen from muscle and cytoplasm.
Carbohydrates and mucus
Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS): Stains glycogen and glycoproteins.
Alcian Blue: Stains negatively charged mucopolysaccharides.
Alcian Blue and Periodic Acid-Schiff (AB/PAS): A combination technique to distinguish between acidic and neutral mucopolysaccharides.
Minerals and pigments
Prussian blue (Perls' reaction): Identifies iron deposits (hemosiderin).
Von Kossa: Special stain for lime (calcium salts).
Alizarin Red S: Another method to detect calcium.
Aluminum stain: Detects metals in tissue.
Rubeanic acid: Staining of intracytoplasmic copper.
Rhodanine: Staining of intracytoplasmic copper.
Microbiology
Gram stain (tissue variant): To detect bacteria.
Gram stain (Twort): To detect bacteria.
Ziehl-Neelsen: For acid-fast bacilli (e.g., mycobacteria).
Immunohistochemistry
We offer immunohistochemistry. As standard, we perform immunohistochemistry using chromogenic detection, but adjustments can be made in consultation with the client. Antibodies must be acquired separately.
Embedding in paraffin blocks
Do you wish to do your own sectioning, but lack the equipment to prepare the samples? We can perform the macro-sectioning and embed the tissue for you. We will send the blocks to you by mail.
Additional tissue sections
We can create additional sections from your tissue blocks. If you have blocks from previous projects, we can also provide extra unstained sections for further analysis. This is a practical solution if you wish to perform staining yourself, or if you are planning additional staining and analysis at a later date.
Serial sections
Do you require serial sections of your block? We are happy to help you with this.
Sections for Diagnostic Purposes
We generally recommend H&E staining as the first step. Thereafter, in collaboration with the diagnostician or pathologist, we can advise on the selection of appropriate special stains to ensure an accurate and efficient diagnostic workflow.
Sections for Research and AI Analysis
Reproducibility is essential when tissue sections are intended for research and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Consequently, stringent requirements must be met regarding both section quality and the consistency of staining protocols. We offer a wide range of staining methods that can be tailored to diverse research and analytical needs. For AI-based analyses, we recommend our fully automated staining using H&E, HES, or Alcian Blue/PAS (AB/PAS) protocols to ensure optimal standardization and reproducibility. Research projects often require customized sectioning approaches. These may include precise serial sectioning through small anatomical structures, parasites, or other intricate tissue components, as well as specific tissue orientation during embedding to achieve optimal analytical outcomes.