Harris hematoxylin is commonly used for which type of staining?

Harris hematoxylin is primarily utilized for nuclear staining in histopathology and cytology. This particular stain is favored because it effectively binds to nucleic acids, highlighting the nuclei of cells in tissue sections. The ability of Harris hematoxylin to produce a strong contrast against the cytoplasm makes it an excellent choice for visualizing cellular structures, especially in exfoliative cytology, where cells are collected from surfaces and analyzed for diagnostic purposes.

The deep blue to purple hue that results from using Harris hematoxylin provides clear differentiation of the nuclear components, allowing pathologists to identify abnormalities such as changes in nuclear size or shape, which are critical in diagnosing various conditions, including cancer. Its efficacy and established use in standard protocols further solidify its role in nuclear staining.