In Gomori reticulin staining, which counterstain is used with the primary reticulin stain?

• A. Nuclear fast red
• B. Methylene blue
• C. Eosin Y
• D. Van Gieson

Answer: (A)

Gomori reticulin staining uses a silver impregnation step to render reticular fibers black, so a counterstain is chosen to provide clear contrast without masking those fibers. Nuclear fast red is the best choice because it stains nuclei bright red and leaves a pale background, allowing the delicate black reticular network to stand out clearly. This strong contrast is essential for evaluating tissue architecture and the integrity of the reticular framework. Other stains would either color too much of the tissue or interfere with the black reticular fibers, making them harder to see.