[Introduction of Astra Blue into the color standards. Value in histopathology]

The introduction of a specific glycoprotein dye in the standard coloration permits the revelation of the epithelial acid mucins. A series of experiments permitted us to retain the Astra Blue and to define its conditions of usage. This simple technic has been routinely used for the last three years in our laboratory. It was particularly useful in the diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia and adenocarcinoma.