Clear nuclear structure
Color contrast
Good transparency
The cytoplasm is brightly colored
Principle of Procedure
The nucleus in the cell has a certain degree of acidity, therefore it has a strong affinity with the basic dyes (Hematoxylin), while the cytoplasm is on the contrary, which has a certain degree of basicity and a strong affinity with the acid dyes (Orange G, EA50, etc.). After Pap staining, the smears or tissue sections will be stained with different colors and intensities as follows: the nuclei will be stained purple blue and the nucleolus may be stained red. Intermediate and parabasal cells will be stained green or light blue; superficial cells will be stained pink and high keratin cells will be stained orange. Erythrocytes will show bright red or orange red, leukocytes will show light blue or light green; and the mucus will show light blue or pink.
In gynecological examination, Pap staining is the most common screening method for cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. Pap staining can also be used for observing the female hormone level and detecting reproductive tract pathogens such as Candidas and Trichomonads.
Interpretation of Test Results
Nuclei show blue purple and nucleoli may show red. Intermediate and parabasal cells show green or light blue; superficial cells show pink and high keratin cells show orange. Erythrocytes show bright red or orange red, leukocytes show light blue or light green; and the mucus show light blue or pink.