SHORR’s Staining Solution

Shorr staining solution is a specific staining method used in histology and cytology. The solution enables detailed examination and identification of cells and tissues and is therefore an essential tool in histopathological diagnostics.

The solution consists of Biebrich scarlet, orange G, true green FCF, phosphotungstic acid and phosphomolybdic acid dissolved in 99.0% ethanol. The azo dyes Orange G and Biebricher Scarlet and the triphenylmethane dye True Green FCF bind specifically to proteins and other cellular structures, enabling their visualization.

The two acids, phosphotungstic acid and phosphomolybdic acid, act as mordants. They provide divalent metal ions that facilitate the binding of dyes to cell and tissue structures and enable their conversion into insoluble varnishes. This process enhances staining and improves the stability of stained preparations, leading to increased resolution and differentiation of cell and tissue structures.