What is the main goal of haematoxylin and eosin staining?

Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining is a vital technique in histology, primarily used to highlight the structure of tissues for examination under a microscope. The main goal is to differentiate between the various components of cells, specifically the nuclear and cytoplasmic elements. Haematoxylin stains the cell nuclei a blue-purple color, making it possible to visualize the DNA and other nuclear components. In contrast, eosin stains the cytoplasmic components and extracellular matrix a varying range of pink to red hues.

These contrasting colors allow researchers and pathologists to easily discern the organization of cells, identify cellular abnormalities, and assess tissue architecture. This capability is particularly crucial in diagnosing diseases, studying tissue responses, and understanding cellular function in various biological contexts. The other goals mentioned do not align with the primary purpose of H&E staining, which focuses on visualizing and differentiating cellular structures rather than quantifying cellular responses, analyzing DNA structure, or identifying specific pathogens like fungi.