Melanin Stain
Use
Melanin special stain is used to detect melanin pigment in tissue sections. The silver stain reacts with melanin to produce a black coloration, which helps identify melanocytic lesions, such as melanoma, and assess pigmentation in various tissues. Additionally, this stain can detect other reducing substances like argentaffin and chromaffin pigments, providing valuable diagnostic information.
Special Instructions
Specimens may be fixed in formalin for 6-72 hours by collection sites and then transferred to 70% ethanol for longer-term storage at 2-8°C if needed. It is not preferred, and samples should be tested within 3 months after placing in ethanol. Positively charged glass slides are required to prevent background staining and tissue loss. Slides should be left unbaked.
Limitations
The test relies on the reactivity of the silver stain with melanin and similar reducing substances, which could lead to false positives if other reducible substances are present. Accurate detection depends on adherence to fixation and storage protocols. Variability in tissue processing and staining may affect the results, and not all pigmentations are due to melanin, resulting in potential interpretive challenges.
Methodology
Other (Anatomic Pathology)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Tissue (FFPE)
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
FFPE Block, Formalin Fixed
Storage Instructions
Storage at 15°C to 25°C.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens fixed in other than 10% NBF or B plus will be rejected.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Indefinite |