Tissue staining

Tissue staining has broad clinical and research application. Although routinely practiced in other countries, tissue staining is rarely performed in the United States. This article deals with the use of absorptive stains (Lugol's solution, indocyanine green, toluidine blue, methylene blue); reactive stains (Congo red), contrast stains (indigo carmine); tissue tattooing; and fluorescent staining. It is possible that the development of novel stains and fluorescent substances could be used to detect specific epitheliums (such as malignancy and dysplasia).