Cytochemical stains: Esterases

Specific esterase staining, also known as naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase (NASDCA) staining, is a laboratory technique used to identify and differentiate specific types of white blood cells, particularly granulocytes, in blood and bone marrow samples. This staining method specifically detects the presence of esterases, enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of ester bonds, within the cytoplasm of white blood cells.