In Verhoeff's Elastic Stain, elastic fibers are stained what color?

• A. Blue to blue/black
• B. Red
• C. Yellow
• D. Brown

Answer: (A)

Verhoeff's Elastic Stain is designed to specifically visualize elastic fibers by using a ferric-iron hematoxylin component that binds strongly to elastin. This binding makes elastic fibers appear very dark in the section, typically blue-black in color. The usual counterstain (often Van Gieson) then colors the surrounding connective tissue elements—collagen appears red and other tissue components can appear yellow—providing a clear contrast. Because of this chemistry, elastic fibers are seen as dark blue to black structures within the tissue.