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Biological Stains Commission

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Biological Stains Commission

The objectives of the Biological Stain Commission are:

  • To ensure the quality of dyes through independent testing according to appropriately rigorous chemical and performance criteria.
  • To promote cooperation and dialogue among manufacturers, vendors and users of dyes for histochemical applications.
  • To educate users of biological stains about sources of reliable dyes and how they might best be used.
  • To publish information concerning new or improved uses for biological staining with dyes and related histochemical techniques.

These objectives are met by:

  • Analysis in the Commission's laboratory of dye content and composition of samples supplied voluntarily by dye manufacturers or vendors.
  • Testing performance of dye samples in rigorous standardized procedures known to be discerning tests of the staining quality of the dye
  • Issuance of certification labels to be attached to the containers used by companies marketing accepted dyes to assure consumers that these dyes have met the performance criteria of the Biological Stain Commission.
  • Conducting and supporting research on dyes used for biological staining and in histochemical techniques
  • Publishing books concerning biological dyes and histochemical techniques, and publishing Biotechnic & Histochemistry, a bimonthly journal of microtechnique and histochemistry
  • Correspondence and annual meetings, maintaining active dialogue among scientists, manufacturers and vendors concerned with biological stains.

Terminology of staining. Online glossary.

In December 2018 the Biological Stain Commission published an online glossary of words, names and short phrases relating to staining and histotechnique, including fixation, tissue processing and, of course, staining – with dyes, histochemical methods and immunohistochemistry. Notable features are explanations of physical, chemical and immunological terms used in explanations of what the different kinds of fixation, processing and staining do to cells and tissues. There are abundant cross-links between entries, for speedy navigation within the glossary.

The BSC trustees have collaborated with the SDC to make relavent terms available as notes on the specific Colour Index™ Generic Names.

Features

  • 27,000 individual products under 13,000 Colour Index™ Generic Names
  • Popular format with unique 'fingerprint' concept
  • Product listings, containing detailed information about individual products
  • All Part 1 information confirmed with manufacturers and suppliers
  • Part 2 information either confirmed with manufacturers and suppliers or marked as being carried over from the previous edition
  • Chemical structures depicted according to results of recent research on molecular conformation 

Designed for use by

  • Colourant users, manufacturers and suppliers
  • Textile manufacturers and suppliers
  • Paint manufacturers and suppliers
  • Plastics manufacturers and suppliers
  • Printing ink manufacturers and suppliers
  • Test houses
  • Libraries, regulatory authorities and academic institutions
  • Anybody with an interest in dyes and pigments

About SDCE

SDC Enterprises offers a comprehensive range of consumables for enhanced accuracy in BS, EN and ISO test procedures for textiles. Internationally-recognised as the industry leader, SDCE is specified by name by retailers worldwide seeking the assurance of reliability and consistency in textile testing.

About AATCC

AATCC is the world’s leading not-for-profit association serving textile professionals. AATCC provides test method development, quality control materials, and professional networking for thousands of members in 60 countries throughout the world.

These goals are achieved through the activities of three interest groups—Chemical Applications, Concept 2 Consumer®, and Materials—by Committee and Section activities, and through the award-winning publications, AATCC Review and AATCC News.

Interested in joining the Colour Index™?

We can provide both individual, company and university based subscriptions for the Colour Index™. Companies benefit from a reduced per user pricing structure with significant discounts available for Universities / Educational Establishments which come as part of the charitable activities of the Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) sdc.org.uk, to help students, researchers and anyone involved in the education of colour.