Expert H and E Stain Services for Research & Biotech Labs

H and E stain is the foundation of histopathology — essential for understanding tissue architecture and cellular detail. 

At iHisto, we offer high-quality, automated H and E staining services with rapid turnaround and precise consistency, trusted by academic labs, biotech startups, and CROs across the U.S.

What Is H and E Stain?

H and E stain, short for Hematoxylin and Eosin staining, is a routine yet critical tool in histological analysis. It offers excellent nuclear and cytoplasmic contrast, enabling researchers and pathologists to assess tissue morphology with clarity.

• Hematoxylin stains nucleic acids in nuclei a deep blue-purple.

• Eosin counterstains proteins in the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix, producing pink to red hues.

• Red blood cells take on a vivid orange-red color.

• 
  

At iHisto, our expertise in h and e stain preparation ensures consistently crisp slides ideal for tissue-based assessments in both basic research and translational applications.

Why Is H and E Stain Still the Gold Standard?

Despite the growth of advanced multiplexing and molecular techniques, the h and e stain endures as the histological workhorse due to its:

• Broad compatibility with nearly all tissue types and fixatives

• Clear cellular and structural visualization

• Fast processing time and cost-effectiveness for large-scale studies

• Utility in pre-screening before advanced assays like IHC or ISH

• Long-term archival quality, making it suitable for biobanking and retrospective analysis

Its diagnostic and research value is unmatched for general tissue evaluation, scoring, and comparison across time points or treatment conditions.

Our H and E Stain Process

At iHisto, we deploy a Leica-based, fully automated staining system to deliver precision, reproducibility, and scalability.

The process includes:

1. Fixation & Deparaffinization
   FFPE tissue blocks are trimmed and rehydrated by removing paraffin through xylene and graded ethanol series.

2. Hematoxylin Staining
   DNA-rich nuclei are stained for maximum chromatin detail and contrast.

3. Bluing Reaction
   Slides undergo tap water or weak alkaline exposure to enhance nuclear definition and shift hematoxylin to a crisp blue tone.

4. Eosin Counterstaining
   Cellular proteins, collagen, and RBCs are rendered in varied pink-red shades for optimal cytoplasmic contrast.

5. Dehydration & Coverslipping
   Slides are passed through graded alcohols, cleared in xylene, and permanently sealed for imaging or storage.

Each step is controlled digitally to eliminate variability while ensuring consistently high-quality output.

Our Automated Workflow

We leverage advanced Leica instruments to maintain throughput and eliminate manual inconsistencies:

• ST5020 Autostainer: Delivers uniform staining cycles across all slides

• TS5025 Transfer Station: Provides contamination-free, hands-free transition between staining steps

• CV5030 Coverslipper: Applies permanent sealing using high-clarity resin with zero bubble formation

Custom protocol adjustments are supported upon request, including variations in hematoxylin type, eosin intensity, or bluing agents.

Digital H and E Slide Scanning & Delivery

For clients requiring digital pathology solutions, all h and e stain slides can be scanned at high resolution:

• Available resolutions: 41x (0.25 µm/pixel) or 82x (0.12 µm/pixel)

• Output formats: SVS, MRXS

• Delivery options: Secure cloud access, encrypted external drives, or direct upload to client servers

• Use cases: Remote pathology review, AI model training, publication, and collaborative analysis

Digital access enables you to work with your slides anywhere, anytime — without the need to ship glass.

Sample Submission Guidelines

To ensure optimal staining outcomes, please follow these submission recommendations:

• Tissue type: FFPE blocks are preferred. Pre-cut slides are accepted but may limit consistency.

• Fixation: see details

• Number of sections per block: Please specify in advance to coordinate batching and slide labeling.

• Labeling: Use solvent-resistant pens or thermal barcodes. Avoid smudge-prone inks.

For specialized tissues (bone, skin, decalcified samples), please contact us to confirm handling and sectioning requirements.

Research Applications of H and E Stain

iHisto’s h and e stain service supports a wide range of investigational areas:

• Preclinical toxicology and regulatory pathology

• Tumor and xenograft evaluation in oncology studies

• Fibrosis, necrosis, and inflammation scoring

• Vascular pathology and red blood cell morphology

• Tissue quality control prior to IHC, ISH, or molecular analysis

Need additional stains? We also offer PAS, Trichrome, Alcian Blue, IHC, and digital quantification.

Why Choose iHisto for H and E Stain?

• Consistent high-contrast staining

• Rapid turnaround times — even for bulk orders

• Automated workflows reduce variability

• Whole-slide scanning available

• Board-certified pathologist review available on request

• Custom protocols accepted

We’re built to serve researchers, CROs, and biotech teams who demand reliability and speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is H and E stain used for?

To highlight tissue structure and detect disease features like tumors, necrosis, and inflammation.

How fast is your turnaround?

Most H and E stain slides are ready within 3–5 business days. Rush service is available.

Do you accept unstained slides or only blocks?

We accept both FFPE blocks and pre-cut unstained slides.

Can I review the slides digitally?

Yes — we offer high-resolution whole-slide scanning with secure cloud access or physical delivery.

Do you offer other stains beyond H and E?

Yes — we also provide PAS, Trichrome, Alcian Blue, Oil Red O, and more.

Request a Quote or Consultation

Ready to streamline your H and E stain workflow?

Whether you need 10 slides or 10,000, iHisto delivers quality, consistency, and speed — every time.

Request a Quote or email us at info@ihisto.io