The Holmes technique is an argentaffin method.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for myelin staining
• D. Requires copper in impregnation

Answer: (B)

Argentaffin stains rely on silver being reduced to metallic silver by the tissue’s own reducing substances, without added reducing agents. The Holmes technique does not operate by that principle, so it isn’t classified as argentaffin. In other words, it uses a different mechanism for silver deposition, not the tissue’s endogenous reducing capability. That’s why the statement is not correct. It isn’t specifically a myelin stain, and the presence or absence of copper impregnation is not what defines argentaffin methods.