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Test ID: Orcein Stain
Orcein Stain
Useful For

Demonstration of hepatitis B virus inclusions and copper associated proteins.

Method name and description

Orcein  Stain. A hepatitis-associated  antigen  (HAA,  or Australian  antigen)  that  is specifically  associated with  hepatitis  B virus  has  been described. HBsAg  may  be stained  in paraffin  sections  by use of  this stain.

Reporting name

Orcein stain

Clinical information

Aids diagnosis of Wilson’s disease and hepatitis B.

Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container

Specimen type:  Any well-fixed tissue in 10% neutral buffered formalin.

Specimen volume/ Specimen container:  Submit 3-4 µm paraffin embedded tissue section mounted on a clean glass slide.

Storage and transport instructions
  • Slides are stored in slide box at room temperature.
  • Follow your local regulation shipping guidelines.
Specimen Rejection Criteria
  • Broken slides
  • Unlabeled slides with patient/case identification
  • Contaminated slides
  • Slides/Paraffin blocks mismatch
Factors affecting test performance and result interpretation
  • Specimen fixation. Well-fixed specimens can produce consistent chemical and physical characteristics in tissue sections which allows patterns to be observed, morphological and chemical changes to be noted and comparisons made. These observations allow view of a dynamic ever-changing environment “fixed” at a particular point in time and may enable a histopathological diagnosis.
  • Paraffin section thickness. Microscopic analysis of cells and tissues requires the preparation of very thin, high quality sections (3-4 µm) mounted on a clean glass slides and appropriately stained to demonstrate normal and abnormal structures.
Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time

Turnaround time: 3 hours

Days and times test performed: Once daily (Sunday to Thursday @0700-1500) 

      Note: Request received after 1100H will be run/stained the following working day.

Specimen retention time: 10 years