Diastase-Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) Method

Term: Diastase-Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) MethodDefinition: A histological staining technique used to detect glycogen and other carbohydrates in tissue samples, which can be useful in identifying certain asbestos-related diseases.Phonetic Pronunciation: (dye-AS-tase pee-AY-dik ASS-id SHIFF method)Origin: The term "diastase" originates from the Greek word "diastasis," meaning separation, referring to the enzyme's ability to break down starch. "Periodic acid" refers to the chemical used in the staining process, and "Schiff" is named after the German chemist Hugo Schiff, who developed the reagent used in the method.Significance in Asbestos Context: The PAS method is significant in asbestos-related research because it can help pathologists identify glycogen deposits in lung tissue, which may be indicative of certain asbestos-induced conditions like asbestosis. This technique aids in the differential diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases by highlighting specific cellular changes.Example Sentence: The pathologist used the Diastase-Periodic Acid Schiff method to examine the lung tissue for signs of glycogen accumulation, which could indicate the presence of asbestosis caused by asbestos exposure.Related Terms: Histology, Glycogen, Asbestosis, Staining Technique, PathologyNotes: - The PAS method is not specific to asbestos-related diseases but can be a useful tool in their diagnosis. - It is important to use this method in conjunction with other diagnostic techniques for a comprehensive assessment.