Do Verhoeff and aldehyde fuchsin use acid differentiation?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only Verhoeff
• D. Only Aldehyde fuchsin

Answer: (B)

These elastic-fiber stains differentiate tissue using chemical decolorization steps rather than acid washes. In Verhoeff’s method, the stain is applied and then selectively bleached/removed from non-elastic elements with ferric chloride in alcohol, so the elastic fibers remain dark. Aldehyde fuchsin uses its own dye chemistry and a non-acid differentiation step to control background staining. Because neither protocol relies on an acid differentiation wash, the statement is not correct.