ClearStain technology generates virtual H&E images from unstained slides to enable real-time tissue visualization and annotation for sequencing applications.
Pictor Labs has launched ClearStain, an AI-powered virtual staining solution designed to enhance molecular diagnostic workflows by enabling pathologists to visualize and annotate tissue directly from unstained slides.
The technology generates virtual hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) images from unstained slides, allowing real-time visualization, annotation, and quality control of the exact tissue being identified for molecular testing. In comparative studies, pathologists found tissues and tumors visualized with ClearStain visually comparable to traditional chemically stained slides in 99% to 100% of regions reviewed.
ClearStain preserves tissue for additional downstream assays by eliminating the need for chemical H&E staining, which can improve tumor purity and reduce sequencing failure rates. The solution addresses workflow challenges by enabling pathologists to guide molecular testing on the same tissue in real time.
“With ClearStain, cases that would have failed sequencing in the past can be rescued,” says Megan Rothney, vice president of product at Pictor Labs, in a release. “ClearStain optimizes the sequencing workflow to minimize failures, improve accuracy, and reduce turnaround time.”
Addressing Digital Pathology Market Demands
The solution targets the growing demand for interoperable technologies that connect histology and molecular data in digital pathology workflows. ClearStain produces standardized, reproducible imaging outputs designed to integrate into existing digital pathology systems.
The technology joins Pictor Labs’ existing portfolio of virtual staining solutions, including DeepStain and ReStain, which enable researchers to generate multiple stains from a single sample. The combined technologies position the company in the AI-driven virtual histology market for cancer research and diagnostics applications.
ClearStain was unveiled at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer 2025 Annual Meeting, held Nov 5-9 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.
Workflow Integration Benefits
The virtual staining approach eliminates the need for adjacent slides in molecular testing workflows, reducing tissue loss and enabling more precise tumor selection. The technology generates diagnostic-quality virtual stains within minutes while preserving tissue samples for downstream molecular analysis.
“We’re laying the groundwork for precision pathology where every stain, every pixel, and every decision is informed by data,” says Rothney in a release. “ClearStain takes that mission even further, connecting digital pathology with molecular diagnostics.”
The solution targets laboratories performing molecular diagnostics testing where tissue preservation and accurate tumor identification are critical for successful sequencing outcomes.
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