When is pigment removal typically performed in tissue preparation?

Pigment removal in tissue preparation is typically performed before staining. This step is crucial because various pigments can interfere with the visual clarity and accuracy of the histological evaluation. Preparing the tissue involves ensuring that the sample is free from any pigments that could mask the true staining characteristics.

Removing pigments prior to staining allows for the dyes to penetrate the tissue more effectively and provides a clearer contrast for visualization under a microscope. This thorough process enhances the interpretation of histological structures and cellular details in the prepared slides, which is essential for accurate diagnosis.

The process of sectioning and embedding occurs after pigment removal and does not involve altering the pigment status of the tissue; rather, they focus on achieving a suitable format for microscopy. By ensuring the tissue is free of interference from pigments before the staining process, the quality and reliability of the staining results are optimized.