Hematoxylin should be used as a counterstain when the PAS is employed to demonstrate glycogen and mucins. When using a hematoxylin counter-stain, continue any of the PAS staining protocols with the following steps:
| Reagent | Time |
| Harris hematoxylin with acetic acid: 2 mL acetic acid with 48 mL hematoxylin | 30 seconds |
| Running tap water | Rinse well |
In addition to the PAS reaction, expected results:
Post staining procedure:
- After counterstain, tissue sections should be rinsed well in distilled water, dehydrated with 95% alcohol, followed by 100% alcohols, cleared with xylene (or xylene substitute), and cover-slipped.
