[Histochemical detection of HBsAg in liver biopsies using the orcein staining method]

Liver biopsies from 30 HBsAg seronegative and 33 HBsAg positive subjects affected by liver diseases were stained by orcein method for the histochemical detection of HBsAg. All biopsies from HBsAg negative cases were orcein negative. Staining was positive in 55% of seropositive patients. The frequency of the different patterns of the staining is analyzed and its value as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in chronic liver disease is discussed.