The Holmes technique is an argentaffin method.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Uses copper in impregnation
• D. Stains myelin

Answer: (B)

The main point is the difference between argentaffin and argyrophilic silver staining. Argentaffin methods rely on the tissue itself to reduce silver ions to metallic silver during processing, so no external reducing agent is needed. In contrast, argyrophilic methods require an external reducing agent in the developer to deposit silver on certain cellular components.

The Holmes technique is an argyrophilic stain, not argentaffin, so describing it as argentaffin is not correct. That’s why the statement is false. The other options aren’t defining features of this technique, and the copper impregnation or myelin-staining aspects are not what distinguishes the Holmes method.