What staining method is most commonly used for histological sections?

Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining is the most commonly used staining method in histology due to its effectiveness in differentiating various cellular components and tissues in a tissue section. Hematoxylin stains nuclei a deep blue or purple color, allowing for the visualization of chromatin and other nuclear structures, while eosin stains the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix a pinkish color. This combination provides a clear contrast that enables pathologists to assess the morphology of cells and tissues, making it invaluable for diagnosing disease. The widespread use of H&E across laboratories is attributed to its simplicity, reproducibility, and the quality of information it provides about tissue architecture and cellular detail. Other staining methods, like Giemsa or Gram staining, serve specific purposes and are not as universally applicable in diagnosing a variety of tissue types.