Iron Stain
Use
The iron special stain is used to detect ferric iron deposits in tissue samples. When applied, the stain reacts with ferric iron to form a blue pigment, allowing pathologists to identify conditions such as hemosiderosis and hemochromatosis, where iron accumulates abnormally in tissues. This staining method is particularly useful in liver and bone marrow biopsies to assess iron storage and diagnose related disorders.
Special Instructions
Fresh Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Aspirate: All attempts will be made to create a smear with aspirate samples >24 hours. Samples analyzed for MDS cannot be accurately assessed past 24 hours. Bone Marrow Aspirate Clot – wet tissue: After fixation in 10% NBF, place tissue in 70% ethanol and store at 2-8°C. Samples will be stable for up to 3 months in 70% ethanol. Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue (preprepared): Unbaked slides are preferred. Fresh Tissue: Specimens may be fixed in formalin for 6-72 hours by collection sites, then transferred to 70% ethanol and stored at 2-8°C for longer term storage if needed. This is NOT preferred. Samples must be tested 3 months after placing in ethanol. Unstained slides: Positively charged glass slides required to prevent background staining and prevent tissue loss. Slides should be left unbaked.
Limitations
Stated turn-around-times (TATs) are for clinical use only and subject to change based on biopharma protocol requirements. Final TATs will be specified in the biopharma study contract.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Bone Marrow
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
EDTA or NaHep
Causes for Rejection
Specimens must be fixed in 10% NBF or B plus. All other fixatives will be rejected.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 Hours |