Haematoxylin and Eosin Stain

Haematoxylin and Eosin Stain, also referred to as the H&E stain, is the most widely used staining combination worldwide. Haematoxylin, which appears blue, is a basic stain, meaning it binds with acidic cell components. These components are therefore termed basophilic. Nucleic 'acids' such as the nucleus of the cell and the endoplasmic reticulum stain with this dye, due to their high affinity for Haematoxylin. In contrast, Eosin is an acidic dye, and therefore binds structures that are basic. It appears pink. Eosin binds basic components of the cell and extracellular matrix, such as proteins. These structures are termed eosinophilic.