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Factors Affecting the Fading of Stained Slides

2024-10-28

In the attached image, you can see some slides that were stained with HealthSky Papanicolaou Stain Kit in 2022.


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These slides were produced by SCTE-3600A Fully Automated Liquid-Based Cytology Workstation and stored in a dry, cool, dark cabinet and we are proud to share the staining results two years later, showing that the cells are still very transparent with clear patterns of nuclei and cytoplasm.


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The fading speed of the Pap stained slide is affected by the staining reagents. Meanwhile, the extent of fading and the timeframe it takes for noticeable changes depend on several factors:

Preparation conditions:
Humidity: The humidity of the preparation laboratory environment should be controlled within 50% as much as possible to avoid moisture on the slides.

Storage Conditions:
① Light: Exposure to direct sunlight is a major culprit for accelerated fading. Storing slides in a dark environment significantly slows down the process.
② Temperature: High temperatures can also contribute to faster fading. Ideally, slides should be stored in a cool, dry place.
③ Humidity: Extreme humidity can damage the slide and potentially affect stain quality.

Stain Quality: High-quality stains will naturally hold their color better than lower-quality ones.

Mounting medium: The type of mounting medium used to cover the stained specimen can influence color preservation. Some mediums offer better UV protection than others.



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