Special Stain, Oil Red O
Also known as: OIL RED SS
Use
Oil Red O is a histochemical stain used to detect fat (lipids) in tissue specimens, specifically demonstrating neutral fats by staining them red. It is applied in the evaluation of frozen sections where lipid preservation is required, providing diagnostic insight into the presence and distribution of fat in cells or tissues.
Special Instructions
This test is New York State approved. An Anatomic Pathology Test Request Form (ARUP form #32960) is recommended when submitting specimens. All stains are handled as “Stain and Return” unless a consultation is requested; in such cases, submission of the pathology report, associated case materials (clinical history, blocks, slides, etc.), and the requisition form are required.
Limitations
Oil Red O staining can only be performed on frozen sections (cryostat) or air‑dried cytospin or smear slides; it is not suitable for paraffin‑embedded tissue where lipids are lost in processing. Nonrepresentative tissue type or depleted specimens are unacceptable. Cryostat sections must be provided frozen; ambient or refrigerated transport is unacceptable. Air‑dried slides are acceptable at room temperature. Frozen sections have indefinite stability when frozen; air‑dried slides are stable indefinitely at ambient but undefined when refrigerated or frozen.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 10798-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Tissue (Fresh)
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Collection Instructions
Cryostat sections: transport 2 frozen cryostat section slides (4‑8 micron section) (Min: 1 slide); Air‑dried Cytospin or Air‑dried Smear Slides: transport 2 slides (Min: 1 slide).
Storage Instructions
Cryostat sections: frozen; Air‑dried slides: room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Nonrepresentative tissue type; depleted specimens
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Cryostat sections: Unacceptable; Air‑dried slides: Indefinitely |
| Refrigerated | Cryostat sections: Unacceptable; Air‑dried slides: Undefined |
| Frozen | Cryostat sections: Indefinitely; Air‑dried slides: Undefined |