Used in histology to detect glycogen and other polysaccharides in tissue sections. The staining method highlights glycogen by oxidizing it with periodic acid, which reacts with diol groups to form aldehydes. These aldehydes then bind with Schiff reagent to produce a magenta color, making glycogen deposits clearly visible under the microscope. Commonly applied in diagnosing glycogen storage diseases, assessing liver and muscle biopsies, and differentiating certain cell types in pathology, such as identifying glycogen-rich tumor cells or distinguishing yeasts in tissue infections.