Which control is used for Gomori's Aldehyde Fuchsin?

• A. Aorta or skin
• B. Grey matter
• C. Spleen or liver
• D. Infected tissue

Answer: (A)

Gomori's Aldehyde Fuchsin highlights elastic fibers, so the best positive control is a tissue that has abundant elastic fibers to show the staining clearly. The aorta and the skin dermis fit this requirement because both contain plentiful elastic fibers in their walls and matrix. This makes the stain’s dark color easy to observe and confirms the technique is working.

Grey matter lacks significant elastic fibers, so it wouldn’t demonstrate the expected staining. Spleen or liver contain other fibrous components but not a strong elastic fiber network, making them poor controls for this stain. Infected tissue varies and does not provide a reliable, standardized elastic-fiber control.