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hematoxylin and eosin staining

(hee-muh-TOK-suh-lin … EE-oh-sin STAY-ning)
A common laboratory method that uses two dyes called hematoxylin and eosin that make it easier to see different parts of the cell under a microscope. Hematoxylin shows the ribosomes, chromatin (genetic material) within the nucleus, and other structures as a deep blue-purple color. Eosin shows the cytoplasm, collagen, connective tissue, and other structures that surround and support the cell as an orange-pink-red color. Hematoxylin and eosin staining helps identify different types of cells and tissues and provides important information about the pattern, shape, and structure of cells in a tissue sample. It is used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. Also called H and E staining.
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