Well-Rounded, Standard H&E - Regressive Protocol

When working with a new laboratory, it is preferred to start them off with a basic protocol that is fairly easy to adapt to pathologists' preferences.

Remember, there is flexibility if you would like an additional xylene at the beginning and/or at the end prior to coverslipping. It has also been found that this protocol works well with just about any commercially-available hematoxylin or eosin. The differentiation step should be a solution made with a mild acid (eg, citric acid), instead of the traditional hydrochloric acid (HCl). While you can use strong acids on your instrument, remember that they can corrode the stainless steel components. One second when staining by hand is much faster than what is experienced on a platform simply because the speed of mechanical operation which must be considered. Just the movement time into and out of the reagent can add a few additional seconds, which may decolorize your tissue more than you intended.