Title: A Nontoxic, Environment Friendly Method of Deparaffinisation in Hematoxylinand Eosin Staining

Authors: Dr Bindiya Gisuthan, Dr Ruby Elizabeth Elias, Sreeganesh AS, Indira K

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i8.73

Abstract

Background: In histopathology labs for Haematoxylin and Eosin staining, xylene is used as the deparaffinising agent. It is costly, hazardous and the working environment will be polluted and there is also the problem of proper disposal. So, it is very useful if we can use an eco-friendly and cheap substitute for xylene in deparaffinisation.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of xylene-free deparaffinised sections with the conventional H and E sections in producing adequate H and E staining with simplicity, cost-effectiveness and less turn-around time .

Materials and Method: The study was carried out in the Dept. of Pathology and Dept. of MLT in a tertiary level teaching centre in the government sector at Thiruvananthapuram.,for a period of 6 months . Forty paraffin blocks were selected. One section was stained with conventional H and E staining method and the other with xylene -free H and E staining method. Slides were scored for parameters; nuclear staining, cytoplasmic staining, uniformity, clarity and crispness.

Results & Conclusion: The xylene-free H and E staining procedure carried out using a simple diluted dish washing soap solution gave excellent positive results and is at par with the conventional H and E staining procedure. It produces a quality staining with sufficient clarity and a crisp nuclear and cytoplasmic staining. It also has added advantages of being nontoxic, economical, nonflammable, nonhazardous, no problem of disposal, reduces staining time and is easy to handle.

Keywords: H and E (Haematoxylin and Eosin ) staining, xylene.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Ruby Elizabeth Elias

Assistant Professor, Dept.of Pathology, Government Medical College,Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala-695011

Phone no: 9447403857,0471-2551900, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.