Copper Stain Histology Service: Visualize Hepatic Copper with Precision

At iHisto, we offer high-quality copper stain histology to detect hepatic copper accumulation, enabling accurate diagnosis of Wilson disease, chronic liver conditions, and copper-related metabolic disorders. Our optimized protocol ensures high sensitivity, clean background, and consistent results — supported by rapid processing and optional digital delivery.

🧪 Overview

Copper staining is a specialized histological technique used to detect copper deposits in tissue sections, most often in liver biopsies. It plays a critical role in:

• Diagnosing Wilson disease

• Evaluating chronic hepatitis or biliary cirrhosis

• Investigating copper overload in research models

At iHisto, our advanced workflow produces bright red to orange-brown signals at copper-positive sites with excellent tissue contrast, supporting confident interpretation.

⚙️ How Copper Staining Works

We use a modified rhodanine method, one of the most effective techniques for visualizing tissue-bound copper. Rhodanine binds to copper ions and forms a distinctive reddish-orange precipitate.

Key Features:

• Detects intracellular copper in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells

• Highlights early-stage and advanced copper accumulation

• Frequently used alongside H&E or trichrome stains to assess tissue architecture

🧬 Step-by-Step Staining Process 

1. Fixation and Sectioning
   Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver tissue is sectioned at 4–5 µm thickness.

2. Deparaffinization and Hydration
   Slides are processed through xylene and graded alcohols into distilled water.

3. Rhodanine Staining
   A modified rhodanine solution binds to copper ions, producing a reddish-brown reaction product.

4. Counterstaining
   Hematoxylin is applied to stain nuclei blue for enhanced contrast.

5. Dehydration and Coverslipping
   Slides are dehydrated, cleared, and coverslipped for long-term storage and analysis.

⚙️ Our Automated Workflow

To ensure reproducibility and minimize human variability, we use a semi-automated system:

• Leica ST5020 Autostainer – Precise stain timing and consistency

• TS5025 Transfer Station – Smooth transfer between staining stages

• CV5030 Coverslipper – Reliable mounting with minimal artifacts

This workflow supports both single-sample processing and large-batch research projects.

🔬 Applications of Copper Stain Histology

Copper staining is essential in both clinical and research settings for assessing copper-related liver pathology.

Common use cases include:

• Diagnosis and staging of Wilson disease

• Assessment of chronic hepatitis with copper retention

• Evaluation of cholestatic liver disease and biliary cirrhosis

• Toxicology studies in preclinical models of copper exposure

• Liver pathology in transplant biopsies or degenerative conditions

✅ Why Choose iHisto’s Copper Staining Services 

• ✅ High-sensitivity detection of hepatic copper

• ✅ Clean, low-background slides using optimized rhodanine method

• ✅ Pathologist-reviewed results available on request

• ✅ Optional whole-slide digital scanning and secure cloud delivery

• ✅ Fast turnaround to support time-sensitive studies

Whether you're investigating copper overload in research animals or confirming a clinical diagnosis, iHisto delivers results you can trust.

❓ FAQs 

• What does copper stain histology detect?
  It detects copper ion deposits in tissue — primarily in liver biopsies — to assist in diagnosing Wilson disease and other copper storage disorders.

• How is it different from H&E or trichrome stains?
  Copper stains specifically bind copper ions, revealing deposits that are invisible on standard stains.

• Can this stain be used for tissues beyond liver?
  Yes — while most commonly used for hepatic analysis, copper stains can be applied to other organs if indicated by pathology or research goals.

• Do you offer digital delivery for copper-stained slides?
  Absolutely. All stained slides can be scanned at high resolution and delivered via secure cloud access or encrypted USB.

📩 Request a Quote or Consultation 

At iHisto, we provide expert copper staining services tailored for liver diagnostics, metabolic research, and toxicology studies. Backed by automation, expert interpretation, and digital accessibility, we ensure accurate, consistent results every time.

👉 Request a Quote or email info@ihisto.io