"""Alcian Blue reacts to compounds containing anionic groups such as acid mucosubstances and acid mucins. At pH 2.5, both carboxylated and sulfated acid mucosubstances are stained blue. Periodic acid is used to oxidize the tissue to form aldehyde groups that are demonstrated by Schiff Reagent. Glycogen and neutral mucosubstances as well as basement membranes will be stained magenta by Schiff Reagent, followed by a tap water rinse to develop and intensify its magenta hues. An optional counterstain may be used to provide nuclear detail. Hematoxylin 7211 is recommended; however, Kernechtrot Nuclear Fast Red may be used if a red nuclear stain is desired"""
A single chemical agent, dye or solution intended for the artificial colouration of specific target tissue structures, intra/extracellular elements and/or infectious microorganisms, in a clinical specimen, for their subsequent visualization, examination, identification and/or differentiation.