In the H&E protocol, which reagent is used for differentiation?

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Multiple Choice

In the H&E protocol, which reagent is used for differentiation?

Differentiation in the H&E process uses a dilute acid in alcohol to selectively remove excess hematoxylin from less intensely stained structures. This step leaves nuclei that are crisp and uniformly stained, defining borders clearly without overloading the slide with blue-purple color. Hematoxylin is the nuclear stain and eosin provides the pink counterstain for cytoplasm; the differentiation step ensures the nuclei stand out sharply rather than being uniformly dark. Some protocols may include a subsequent blueing step to intensify the blue of the hematoxylin, but the differentiation itself is accomplished by acid alcohol.

Differentiation in the H&E process uses a dilute acid in alcohol to selectively remove excess hematoxylin from less intensely stained structures. This step leaves nuclei that are crisp and uniformly stained, defining borders clearly without overloading the slide with blue-purple color. Hematoxylin is the nuclear stain and eosin provides the pink counterstain for cytoplasm; the differentiation step ensures the nuclei stand out sharply rather than being uniformly dark. Some protocols may include a subsequent blueing step to intensify the blue of the hematoxylin, but the differentiation itself is accomplished by acid alcohol.

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