The nuclei of cells stained by the Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) method should be bluish. If nuclei are red or brown, then there is a problem in the staining process that should be corrected.
Situation: H&E stained slide with red or brown nuclei
Differential diagnosis:
(1) inadequate bluing step
(2) hematoxylin breaking down
(3) poor quality hematoxylin reagent
(4) no or insufficient staining in hematoxylin
Corrective actions may include:
(1) Check the quality of the hematoxylin reagent and solution. Replace if problem identified.
(2) Make sure that slides spend an adequate time at the hematoxylin step.
(3) Pour out fresh hematoxylin solution.
(4) Check the quality of the bluing solution.
(5) Pour out fresh bluing solution.
(6) Increase the amount of time in bluing solution.
(7) Make sure that sections are thoroughly rinsed in water after the bluing stage.
