Occasionally it may be necessary to destain a slide for restaining if no other material is available.
Issue |
Action |
Is the slide coverslipped? |
The coverslip needs to be completely removed, often by soaking in a solvent such as xylene for some time. |
Is there mounting media on the slide? |
All traces of the mounting media must be removed or it will block the stain from reaching the tissue. |
Does the slide need to be destained? |
Some stains can be performed over an existing stain. |
Can the original stain be removed? |
Some stains may be difficult or impossible to remove. |
Destaining is typically done in an acid alcohol solution.
Typical steps:
(1) If coverslip present, remove it and the mounting media completely.
(2) Soak the slide in 100% alcohol.
(3) Destain the slide in acid alcohol solution (1% HCl in 70% ethanol).
(4) Place the slide in a bluing solution (1 mL concentrated ammonium hydroxide in 1 liter distilled water) for several minutes.
(5) Rinse in water.
(6) Proceed with the new stain.
Specialty: Clinical Laboratory