Alcian Blue–PAS Stain Service: Dual Detection of Acidic and Neutral Mucins

At iHisto, we deliver high-quality Alcian Blue–PAS staining to distinguish acidic and neutral mucins within the same tissue section — a powerful tool for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and tumor pathology research.

🧪Overview

Alcian Blue–PAS is a dual-staining technique that enables side-by-side visualization of:

• Acidic mucins – stained blue/turquoise by Alcian Blue

• Neutral mucins and glycogen – stained magenta/purple by PAS

This contrast reveals the mucin profile and distribution within epithelial tissues, offering insights into inflammation, neoplasia, and glandular function.

iHisto’s optimized protocol ensures consistent results, minimal background, and clear nuclear counterstaining — supporting both diagnostics and research.

⚙️How Alcian Blue–PAS Staining Works

The staining sequence involves:

1. Alcian Blue (pH 2.5): Stains acidic mucopolysaccharides (sulfated/carboxylated) blue.

2. Periodic Acid Treatment: Oxidizes glycogen and mucin precursors.

3. Schiff Reagent (PAS): Highlights neutral mucins and glycogen in magenta/purple.

4. Counterstaining: Hematoxylin or nuclear fast red enhances nuclear detail.

🧬Step-by-Step Staining Process

• Fixation and Sectioning
  Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues are sectioned onto slides.

• Deparaffinization and Rehydration
  Slides are passed through xylene and alcohol into distilled water.

• Alcian Blue Staining (pH 2.5)
  Acidic mucins are stained blue under acidic conditions.

• Rinsing and Oxidation
  Slides are rinsed and treated with periodic acid to oxidize glycols.

• PAS Reaction (Schiff Reagent)
  Neutral mucins and glycogen react with Schiff’s reagent, turning magenta.

• Counterstaining and Coverslipping
  Nuclei are stained with hematoxylin or nuclear fast red, followed by dehydration and mounting.

⚙️Our Automated Workflow

We use precision automation for reproducible results:

• Leica ST5020 Autostainer: Full Alcian Blue–PAS workflow with exact timing

• TS5025 Transfer Station: Controlled processing flow

• CV5030 Coverslipper: Ensures clean mounting and longevity

This system allows us to process both small-scale and large-cohort studies with high consistency.

🔬Applications of Alcian Blue–PAS Stain

Widely used in both diagnostic and research contexts:

• Gastrointestinal biopsies – Barrett’s esophagus, colitis, gastric cancer

• Respiratory tissue – asthma, COPD, mucus differentiation

• Tumor classification – mucinous vs non-mucinous adenocarcinomas

• Salivary glands – evaluation of ductal and acinar secretions

• Glycogen storage diseases – liver and kidney studies

This stain provides a full mucin profile critical for disease modeling and pathologic differentiation.

✅Why Choose iHisto’s Alcian Blue–PAS Staining

• ✅ Simultaneous visualization of acidic and neutral mucins

• ✅ Vivid dual-color contrast (blue + magenta)

• ✅ Low background with pH-optimized staining steps

• ✅ Compatible with FFPE and frozen tissue

• ✅ Digital slide scanning and delivery available

• ✅ Optional board-certified pathologist interpretation

We ensure consistency across large study sets and support publication-quality histology.

❓FAQs

• What is Alcian Blue–PAS stain used for?
  To detect and distinguish acidic (blue) and neutral (magenta) mucins within a single slide.

• What conditions does this help assess?
  Colitis, adenocarcinoma, gastric metaplasia, COPD, glycogen storage disorders.

• Is digital pathology supported?
  Yes — all slides can be scanned at high resolution and delivered securely.

• Can the protocol be customized?
  Absolutely — we adjust pH, staining times, or counterstains to match your research needs.

📩Request a Quote or Consultation

Whether you're studying mucosal inflammation or profiling tumor mucin expression, iHisto provides precise Alcian Blue–PAS staining with fast turnaround, expert review, and digital delivery.

👉 Request a Quote or email info@ihisto.io