The technique named Verhoeff-van Gieson is demonstrated in the image. Which option correctly names this technique?

• A. Verhoeff-van Gieson
• B. Gomori
• C. Masson
• D. Bouin solution

Answer: (A)

Staining pattern recognition for elastic fibers is being tested. Verhoeff-van Gieson uses Verhoeff's elastic stain to color elastic fibers black, then applies the Van Gieson counterstain to differentiate other tissue components (collagen appears yellow, with other tissue pink/red). The image shows elastic fibers standing out as dark lines against a lighter yellow/pink background, which is the telltale sign of this technique. The other options correspond to different staining concepts (Gomori methods for other tissue elements, Masson’s trichrome with a blue/green collagen stain, and Bouin solution as a fixative rather than a stain), so they wouldn’t produce this black-elastic-fiber pattern.