American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnologist Practice Test

Which stain is most widely used for nuclear staining in routine histology?

1. Hematoxylin

2. Eosin

3. May-Grünwald

4. Giemsa

The correct answer is: Hematoxylin

Hematoxylin is the most widely used stain for nuclear staining in routine histology due to its ability to effectively bind to nucleic acids found in the nuclei of cells. This affinity for DNA and RNA allows hematoxylin to produce a strong blue-purple coloration, which aids in the visualization of cell structures under the microscope. The contrast provided by hematoxylin when used alongside eosin, which stains the cytoplasm and extracellular structures, enhances the overall histological detail. This dual-staining technique is fundamental in histopathology, making it a standard practice in laboratory settings. Other stains listed, such as eosin, primarily target cytoplasmic elements and do not stain nuclei effectively. May-Grünwald and Giemsa stains are primarily used for the examination of blood smears and certain cytological preparations but do not commonly serve as routine nuclear stains in histological tissue sections. Thus, hematoxylin stands out as the premier choice for nuclear staining in standard histological practices.