Category: Histology

The human body stores significant energy in the form of complex carbohydrates like glycogen. To visually identify these crucial molecules in tissue samples for diagnostic purposes, a specific stain used for carbohydrates is required, with the Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) method being a standard technique in pathology.

According to BOC Sciences, the Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) stain is the most widely used technique for detecting carbohydrates like polysaccharides and mucins in tissue sections, producing a vibrant magenta color. This guide explores not only the common PAS stain but also other chemical reagents and advanced fluorescent dyes used to answer the question of what dye is used for carbohydrates.