Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › H&E staining
Faded H&E on stored slides
What it looks like
Slides exhibit a washed-out or pale appearance with low contrast between hematoxylin and eosin staining.
Where it usually appears: Typically seen on older slides that have been stored for extended periods or exposed to light.
Likely causes
- Prolonged exposure to light or heat during storage
- Inadequate fixation or dehydration of the tissue prior to staining
- Improper storage conditions (humidity, temperature)
Immediate checks
- Inspect the storage conditions for temperature and light exposure
- Check the age of the slides and their storage duration
Corrective action
- Re-stain the slides with fresh H&E reagents
- Evaluate and possibly re-fix the tissue samples if necessary
Preventive action
- Store slides in a dark, temperature-controlled environment
- Use archival-quality slides and cover them with appropriate coverslips
This atlas is for educational purposes for laboratory professionals. It does not replace your institutional SOPs, manufacturer instructions, validated protocols or pathologist judgment. Adapt any action to your laboratory and equipment.
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