Hansen's hematoxylin is a special staining solution used primarily in histology and cytology to visualize cell nuclei and other basophilic structures in tissue sections and cytological specimens.

The special suitability of this staining solution lies in the use of potassium alum and potassium permanganate, which ensure optimal oxidation of the hematoxylin and enable intense, stable staining. The addition of ethanol promotes the solubility of hematoxylin and improves the penetration of tissue samples.

The chemical functioning of hematoxylin according to Hansen is based on the reaction of hematoxylin with basophilic structures, especially nucleic acids in cell nuclei. Hematoxylin is oxidized by potassium alum and potassium permanganate to hematein, which forms stable metal salt complexes when combined with aluminum ions from the potassium alum. These complexes bind to the basophilic structures and produce a characteristic blue to purple staining.

Compared to other hematoxylin formulations, Hansen's hematoxylin is characterized by its intense and contrasting staining, which allows clear differentiation of cell nuclei and surrounding tissue. The special composition of the solution ensures high reproducibility and reliability in use, making it a preferred choice for histologists and cytologists.