Stain: hematoxylin and eosin
Problematic findings:
(1) The whole section looks hazy with blurred cellular details.
(2) Eosin staining bleeding through the section.
Possible causes:
(1) There is water contamination of alcohol or solvent-based solutions.
(2) The tissue section was not adequately dehydrated.
Prevention:
(1) Make sure that sections are adequately dehydrated when indicated.
(2) Replace alcohol and solvent solutions regularly, with a frequency depending on number of slides processed.
(3) Try to avoid getting water into alcohols or solvent solutions.
(4) Monitor solutions for signs of water contamination and replace if necessary.
(5) Some xylene substitute reagents may be more susceptible to water contamination.
(6) High humidity in the laboratory may increase the risk of water contaminating staining solutions.
