Alcian Blue 1% (pH 1.0 with acetic acid) is of particular importance in medical diagnostics and histology, where it serves as an important component in the staining of acidic mucins and sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Thanks to the precise selective cyan staining achieved at low pH, it is a commonly used tool in the study and diagnosis of disorders of mucin and glycosaminoglycan metabolism.

The specificity of Alcian blue at pH 1.0 enables differential analysis of tissue samples, as it stains acidic mucins and sulfated glycosaminoglycans in particular. The combination with PAS and H&E staining expands the histological power and provides comprehensive tissue characterization.

The solution contains Alcian Blue 8GS dissolved in deionized water, and the pH is adjusted by adding acetic acid and fuming hydrochloric acid. This composition results in a chemical reaction in which acidic mucins and sulfated glycosaminoglycans are selectively stained cyan.

The application involves treatment of the tissue specimens with the Alcian Blue solution, whereupon a chemical interaction with the acidic mucins and sulfated glycosaminoglycans occurs, which manifests itself in visible cyan staining. The combination with other staining methods enables a comprehensive examination of tissue samples.