Description
Why It’s Done:
Special stains are ordered when a routine H&E stain is insufficient for a definitive diagnosis. It helps to:
• Identify infections (e.g., fungal or mycobacterial organisms)
• Diagnose specific diseases like amyloidosis, storage disorders, or certain cancers
• Classify tumors based on their cellular makeup
• Detect tissue damage or fibrosis
• Support diagnosis in autoimmune, inflammatory, or metabolic disorders
It adds diagnostic accuracy and helps pathologists provide a more detailed analysis of the disease process.
Preparation:
• No patient preparation is required for this test.
• The special stain is performed in the laboratory on a previously collected biopsy or surgical tissue sample.
• Ensure that:
o The initial biopsy was done correctly and is available for further analysis.
o The clinical history and suspicion (e.g., infection, amyloidosis) are clearly communicated to the pathologist, as this helps select the appropriate stain
