PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Kirkpatrick, P
TI  - Use of orcein in detecting hepatitis B antigen in paraffin sections of liver.
AID  - 10.1136/jcp.35.4.430
DP  - 1982 Apr 01
TA  - Journal of Clinical Pathology
PG  - 430--433
VI  - 35
IP  - 4
4099  - http://jcp.bmj.com/content/35/4/430.short
4100  - http://jcp.bmj.com/content/35/4/430.full
SO  - J Clin Pathol1982 Apr 01; 35
AB  - This study has shown that different supplies/batches of orcein perform differently and may fail. The "natural" forms generally performed better although the most informative results were obtained with a "synthetic" product. Orcein dye solutions can be used soon after preparation and for up to 7 days without the need for differentiation. After 10 days or so the staining properties become much less selective. Non-specific staining severely reduces contrast and upon differentiation overall contrast is reduced and the staining of elastin is reduced. Copper-associated protein positivity gradually fails and after 14 days is lost. For demonstrating HBsAg in paraffin sections of liver, it is best to use orcein dye preparations that are no older than 7 days and to test each batch or orcein against a known positive control.