CAP Pro Course - Histology - Special Stains (2026 & 2027)

Author: Carla Shoffeitt, MSM, HT(ASCP)
Reviewer: Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Identify common staining methods that are routinely employed in the histology laboratory setting and discuss the clinical/diagnostic purpose for performing special stains.
  • Discuss processing considerations, including appropriate fixative based on special stain procedure, function of mordants, and microtomy.
  • Determine the use of appropriate controls as a quality assurance measure.
  • Discuss requirements for accurate dilution of special stains, including solution labeling, storage, safe handling, and disposal.
  • Recognize staining errors and discuss troubleshooting considerations.

Course Outline

  • Identify common staining methods that are routinely employed in the histology laboratory setting and discuss the clinical/diagnostic purpose for performing special stains.
      • Clinical Necessity of Special Stains
      • Common Staining Methods for Demonstration of Amyloid and Carbohydrates
      • Common Staining Methods for Demonstration of Connective Tissue, Muscle Fibers, and Lipids
      • Common Staining Methods for Demonstration of Microorganisms
      • Common Methods for Demonstration of Minerals
      • Common Staining Methods for Demonstration of Nervous System Components
      • The pathology resident has been assigned an autopsy case in which artery disease is noted in the patient's clinical history. The resident would like t...
      • Raquel has been asked to perform a Congo red stain. Raquel understands that the Congo red stain is commonly used to demonstrate amyloid deposits. In w...
      • The histochemical demonstration of carbohydrates provides the pathologist with valuable information in diagnosing various pathological conditions, inc...
  • Discuss processing considerations, including appropriate fixative based on special stain procedure, function of mordants, and microtomy.
      • Processing Considerations and Appropriate Fixative for Lipid Demonstration
      • How Do Mordants Work?
      • Secondary Fixation: Mordant Precedes the Dye
      • Use of Mordant-Dye Complex in Single Staining Solution
      • Mordant Use Following Dye
      • Appropriate Fixative Selection Based on Special Stain Procedure
      • Microtomy Considerations for Special Stains
      • The pathologist assigned to renal service has requested a Jones' methenamine silver stain on a recent kidney biopsy case to assess basement membranes....
      • Which statement best describes the function of a mordant?
      • Theron is manually coverslipping a slide he has stained with oil red O stain. He observes bubbles on the edge of the tissue section. As he is about to...
  • Determine the use of appropriate controls as a quality assurance measure.
      • Quality Control of Special Stains
      • Use and Evaluation of Special Stain Control Sections
      • Appropriate Controls for Amyloid and Carbohydrate Staining Methods
      • Appropriate Controls for Connective Tissue, Muscle Fiber, and Lipid Staining Methods
      • Appropriate Controls for Mineral Demonstration
      • Appropriate Controls for Microorganism Staining Methods
      • Appropriate Controls for Nervous System Component Staining Methods
      • A special stain request for a periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain and periodic acid-Schiff with diastase (PAS-d) stain has been submitted by the provider...
      • Which of the following would be the best tissue control for a reticulum staining method?
      • The use of a known positive control is an important factor in the quality control of special stains. Which of the following describes a positive contr...
  • Discuss requirements for accurate dilution of special stains, including solution labeling, storage, safe handling, and disposal.
      • Storage and Labeling Requirements for Special Stain Solutions
      • Safe Handling and Disposal of Special Stain Solutions
      • Creating Special Stain Solutions with the Use of Dry Powder Chemicals
      • Creating Special Stain Solutions of Accurate Dilution
      • Ian is preparing the solutions needed to perform a periodic acid-Schiff stain for fungus. As such, a 1% periodic acid solution must be made up using t...
      • Jen is preparing Van Gieson solution as part of the Verhoff-Van Gieson stain for elastic fibers. Since this solution contains hematoxylin, which of th...
      • Disposal of chemicals in the histology laboratory is regulated by city, county, state, and federal mandates. The strictest of these guidelines should ...
      • Sophie is working on an oil red O (ORO) stain of a frozen section of liver biopsy. As her slide is staining in the ORO solution, Sophie prepares the 6...
  • Recognize staining errors and discuss troubleshooting considerations.
      • Avoiding Problems with Staining Procedures and Staining Reagents
      • Troubleshooting Special Stains for Amyloid and Carbohydrates
      • Troubleshooting Special Stains for Connective Tissues, Muscle Fibers, and Lipids
      • Troubleshooting Methods of Mineral Demonstration
      • Troubleshooting Special Stains for Microorganisms
      • Troubleshooting Special Stains for Nervous System Components
      • Nakoa has completed a Congo red stain for amyloid on tissue section from a patient with known amyloidosis. When compared to the positive tissue contro...
      • You are performing a Von Kossa stain to demonstrate the presence of calcium in a section of an artery. You use metal forceps to place the positive con...
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: This program is designed as an educational and training tool for HT, HTL, MLS, and MLT personnel, histology and medical laboratory science students, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
Author Information: Carla J. Shoffeitt, MSM, HT(ASCP), is the System Director of Anatomic Pathology for Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Healthcare Management as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Troy University, Troy, Alabama. She is certified as a Histotechnician and has 29 years of experience in the field of Histology.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information: Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, is a Lead Education Developer. She earned a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of North Dakota and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Xavier University. She has over 15 years of experience in higher education and has held program director and faculty positions in both MLT and MLS programs.

This course is part of the CAP Competency Assessment Hub.

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