Stains & CD markers
Hansel stain
Copyright: 2002-2025, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Hansel stain
Hansel stain
Author: Nat Pernick, M.D.
Last author update: 1 July 2013
Last staff update: 2 July 2021
Copyright: 2002-2025, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Hansel stain
Cite this page: Pernick N. Hansel stain. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/stainshansel.html. Accessed September 23rd, 2025.
Definition / general
- Combination of eosin and methylene blue
Uses by pathologists
- Detect eosinophils in urine (eosinophils are bright red or pink, N Engl J Med 1986;315:1516) or nasal mucosa
- More sensitive in urine than Wright stain (Arch Pathol Lab Med 1989;113:1256, Clin Lab Med 1988;8:555), alkaline erythrocin B or naphthalene black
- Phase contrast microscopy with modified Hansel stain can identify mast cells in allergic nasal smears (Am J Rhinol 2003;17:101)
Positive staining - disease
- Eosinophils, usually associated with drug induced acute interstitial nephritis but also with eosinophilic cystitis, atheroembolic renal disease, schistosomiasis (Am J Trop Med Hyg 1992;46:732, Am J Clin Pathol 1989;92:329, Biotech Histochem 1993;68:146), rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, acute prostatitis, postinfectious glomerulonephritis and acute cystitis
