Carmine, C.I. 75470, is a Biological Stain Commission (BSC)-certified biological stain used in histology. Carmine is an alum lake of carminic acid and is used in established histochemical methods including Best's Carmine method for glycogen and Southgate's mucicarmine method.
Related names: Alum lake of carminic acid; Cochineal; Nacarat; Natural Red 4.
BSC certification is lot-specific. Certified stain-powder lots are analytically and histochemically tested against Biological Stain Commission requirements and are identified by a lot number and BSC certification code. Prepared staining solutions are not themselves BSC certified.
Cat. 02729 is supplied as a red powder for preparation of staining reagents according to the requirements of the selected histological method. Staining results depend on reagent formulation, fixation, section preparation, staining time, differentiation, and other method-specific conditions.
Key Properties
- Biological stain for histology
- BSC-certified stain powder; certification is lot-specific
- C.I. Number: 75470
- CAS Number: 1390-65-4
- Appearance: red powder
- Synonyms include Alum lake of carminic acid, Cochineal, Nacarat, and Natural Red 4
- Catalog number: 02729
Applications
Histology Staining
Carmine, C.I. 75470, is used in established histological staining procedures. BSC-certified lots undergo analytical and histochemical testing against the Commission's requirements for the certified stain powder.
Best's Carmine Method for Glycogen
Carmine, C.I. 75470, is used in Best's Carmine method for histochemical demonstration of glycogen. In this procedure, staining attributed to glycogen is pink to red in the undigested section and is selectively removed in a corresponding diastase-digested control.
Mucicarmine Preparation
Carmine, C.I. 75470, is also a reagent in Southgate's mucicarmine formulation, where it is combined with aluminum-containing reagents to prepare the mucicarmine stain. Laboratories seeking a prepared system may also consider the Mucicarmine Stain Kit.
Compatibility & Bonding Considerations
- Prepare Carmine according to the validated formulation for the intended histological method
- Best's Carmine and mucicarmine are distinct staining procedures and require different reagent formulations
- Carmine powder is not equivalent to a prepared mucicarmine staining solution
- Fixation, section preparation, reagent composition, staining time, and differentiation can affect staining results
- BSC certification applies to the certified stain-powder lot rather than to staining solutions prepared from that powder
Method-specific preparation is important because Carmine is incorporated into different reagent systems for different histochemical applications. Follow the validated procedure for the intended staining method rather than substituting Carmine powder directly for a prepared staining solution.
Application Tips
- Prepare stock and working solutions according to the validated staining method being used
- For Best's Carmine glycogen staining, use a corresponding diastase-digested control when confirmation of glycogen staining is required
- Maintain consistent fixation, section thickness, reagent preparation, staining time, and differentiation when comparing specimens
- For mucicarmine staining, use the complete method-specific formulation rather than Carmine powder alone
- When BSC certification documentation is required, verify the lot number and BSC certification information associated with the supplied stain powder
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Ensure good laboratory ventilation during handling and stain preparation
- Use a chemical fume hood when appropriate for the laboratory procedure
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing
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FAQ
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1. What is Carmine C.I. 75470 used for?
Carmine, C.I. 75470, is a biological stain used in histology. Established applications include Best's Carmine method for glycogen and preparation of Carmine-containing mucicarmine staining solutions.
2. What does BSC certified mean for Carmine?
BSC certification means that a specific stain-powder lot has been analytically and histochemically tested against Biological Stain Commission requirements. Passing lots receive a BSC certification associated with the submitting company and the tested lot.
3. Is BSC certification lot-specific?
Yes. BSC certification is tied to a specific stain-powder lot and BSC certification code. When certification documentation is required, verify the lot number and BSC certification information associated with the supplied material.
4. Can Carmine C.I. 75470 be used for glycogen staining?
Yes. Carmine, C.I. 75470, is used in Best's Carmine method for demonstrating glycogen in tissue sections. A corresponding diastase-digested control can be used to confirm staining attributed to glycogen.
5. Is Carmine the same as a prepared mucicarmine stain?
No. Carmine is a stain powder used as a reagent in mucicarmine preparation. A complete mucicarmine formulation contains additional reagents needed to form the staining system. Polysciences also offers a Mucicarmine Stain Kit for this workflow.
Safety & Documentation
Use Carmine powder with good laboratory ventilation and appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and safety glasses. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete handling, storage, first-aid, and disposal guidance.
