Alcian Blue Stain: Reliable Detection of Acidic Mucins in Tissue Samples

At iHisto, we provide high-quality Alcian Blue staining to detect acidic mucopolysaccharides and glycosaminoglycans with precision. This stain is ideal for identifying mucin-producing cells in gastrointestinal, respiratory, and tumor tissues — supporting both research and diagnostics.

🧪 Overview

The Alcian Blue stain is a specialized histological method used to visualize acidic mucins, including sulfated and carboxylated mucosubstances. iHisto’s optimized protocol ensures:

• Strong mucin contrast

• Minimal background staining

• Consistent, high-throughput performance

This technique is critical for analyzing inflammation, hypersecretion, and neoplastic changes in mucin-rich tissues.

⚙️ How Alcian Blue Staining Works

Alcian Blue binds to acidic mucins in the extracellular matrix, producing a blue to blue-green stain. To enhance visibility, we apply a nuclear counterstain (e.g., hematoxylin or nuclear fast red).

We typically use Alcian Blue at pH 2.5, which targets both:

• Carboxylated mucins (e.g., gastric, intestinal)

• Sulfated mucins (e.g., bronchial secretions, tumor glycoproteins)

🧬 Step-by-Step Staining Process

• Fixation and Sectioning
  Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections are mounted on slides.

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

• Alcian Blue Application
  Alcian Blue at pH 2.5 is applied to stain acidic mucins.

• Counterstaining
  Nuclei are stained using hematoxylin or nuclear fast red for contrast.

• Dehydration and Coverslipping
  Slides are dehydrated, cleared, and coverslipped for analysis and archival.

⚙️ Our Automated Workflow

To ensure consistency and scalability, we use automated staining systems:

• Leica ST5020 Autostainer – Delivers precise, uniform staining

• TS5025 Transfer Station – Maintains workflow integrity

• CV5030 Coverslipper – Minimizes artifacts for clean mounting

This setup guarantees reproducible results suitable for diverse research applications.

🔬 Applications of Alcian Blue Staining

The Alcian Blue stain is widely used to evaluate mucin expression in both normal and pathological tissues.

Common applications include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s)

• Lung pathology and mucus hypersecretion studies

• Tumor classification by mucin production

• GI and salivary gland mucin analysis

• Cartilage matrix evaluation

🧩 Related Stains Available

iHisto also offers complementary stains for mucin and connective tissue studies:

• Alcian Blue–PAS – Distinguishes neutral vs. acidic mucins

• Masson’s Trichrome – Highlights collagen and fibrosis

• H&E, PAS, Reticulin – Routine and special stain options

✅ Why Choose iHisto

• ✅ Crisp, high-contrast mucin detection

• ✅ pH-optimized protocols for enhanced stain specificity

• ✅ Low background for improved interpretation

• ✅ Compatible with paraffin and frozen sections

• ✅ Pathologist review and scoring available

• ✅ Whole-slide scanning and digital delivery included

Whether you're mapping mucin expression in tumor models or evaluating inflammatory markers in GI tissue, we deliver results with clarity and confidence.

❓ FAQs

• What is Alcian Blue stain used for?
  To detect acidic mucins and glycosaminoglycans, commonly found in GI, lung, and tumor tissues.

• Which tissues are commonly stained?
  Gastrointestinal tract, lungs, salivary glands, cartilage, and mucin-secreting tumors.

• Can this stain be combined with others?
  Yes. We offer Alcian Blue–PAS combo, and pairings with H&E, Masson’s, or nuclear stains.

• Do you provide digital slide scanning?
  Absolutely — we offer high-resolution whole-slide imaging with secure delivery via cloud or USB.

📩 Request a Quote or Consultation

At iHisto, we specialize in delivering clear, reproducible Alcian Blue staining backed by automation, expert review, and fast turnaround.

👉 Request a Quote or email info@ihisto.io