Hematoxylin stain

Hematoxylin is the most important and commonly used dye in histochemistry, cytology, and histopathology. The ingredients of hematoxylin act as cations and preferentially bind to acidic groups in tissue. It shows a broad range of cytoplasmic, nuclear and extracellular matrix features and works well with a variety of fixatives. Hematoxylin staining of cancer biopsies produces heterochromatin condensation patterns that are specific to cancer type and malignancy. This property of hematoxylin makes it a very powerful tool for differentiation of malignant cells from non-malignant cells. Its ability to stain several intracellular and extracellular substances in shades of blue to black also makes very useful in histochemistry and histology.