What is the purpose of cytochemical stains in hematology?

Cytochemical stains play a crucial role in hematology by identifying specific enzymes and chemical constituents within cells. These stains enhance the distinction between different types of cells based on their biochemical properties, which is particularly important in diagnosing various hematological conditions. For instance, certain stains can reveal enzyme activities that are characteristic of particular cell types, aiding in the classification of leukemias and other blood disorders.

While staining blood smears for visualization is a component of hematological analysis, it does not capture the primary purpose of cytochemical stains, which is to characterize cellular content. Measuring the levels of different cell types provides important quantitative information but does not address the biochemical profiling that cytochemical stains offer. Differentiating between types of leukemia is indeed a critical application of these stains, but it is a more specific use rather than the overarching purpose. Therefore, the fundamental reason for utilizing cytochemical stains in hematology centers on their ability to identify enzymes and chemical constituents within cells, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and the understanding of underlying conditions.