Special stain controls are tissue sections 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 carbohydrate stains are specific to each carbohydrate classification, control sections should be appropriately selected based on the classification component.
| Special Stain | Carbohydrate Classification Component | Required Control |
| Alcian blue pH 1.0 | Acid-sulfated mucins | Section of small intestine, appendix, or colon |
| Alcian blue pH 2.5 | Acid mucins | Section of small intestine, appendix, or colon |
| Colloidal iron | Acid mucins | Section of small intestine, appendix, or colon |
| Mucicarmine | Epithelial mucins (glycoproteins) | Section of small intestine or colon containing goblet cells |
| Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) | Simple polysaccharides | Kidney is most sensitive
Liver should be used when glycogen demonstration is required |
