Which counterstain is commonly used in the Verhoeff's Van Gieson technique?

Prepare for the Histotechnologist Certification Exam with our comprehensive study material. Use flashcards, detailed explanations, and intuitive multiple-choice questions. Boost your test readiness and achieve certification success!

Multiple Choice

Which counterstain is commonly used in the Verhoeff's Van Gieson technique?

Explanation:
In this combo stain, elastic fibers are colored with Verhoeff’s stain to appear black, and a counterstain is applied to provide clear contrast. Van Gieson’s counterstain uses a mixture of picric acid and acid fuchsin to color collagen red and other tissue elements yellow, which makes the elastic fibers stand out sharply against the surrounding tissue. Because the technique is named for this counterstain, it’s the best match for providing the distinct color contrast needed. Other stains listed—Eosin, Methylene blue, Hematoxylin—don’t provide the same targeted contrast in the Verhoeff’s Van Gieson method.

In this combo stain, elastic fibers are colored with Verhoeff’s stain to appear black, and a counterstain is applied to provide clear contrast. Van Gieson’s counterstain uses a mixture of picric acid and acid fuchsin to color collagen red and other tissue elements yellow, which makes the elastic fibers stand out sharply against the surrounding tissue. Because the technique is named for this counterstain, it’s the best match for providing the distinct color contrast needed. Other stains listed—Eosin, Methylene blue, Hematoxylin—don’t provide the same targeted contrast in the Verhoeff’s Van Gieson method.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy