Which stains are elastic stains?

• A. Verhoeff and Aldehyde fuchsin
• B. Gomori reticulin and PASM
• C. Aldehyde fuchsin and PASM
• D. Verhoeff and Gomori reticulin

Answer: (A)

Elastic stains are used to highlight elastin fibers in tissue. Verhoeff's stain is a classic method that colors elastin black, often with a counterstain to separate other tissue elements. Aldehyde fuchsin is another reliable elastic stain, giving elastin a dark purple to black color. Together, they specifically reveal the elastic network in vessels, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Gomori reticulin targets reticular fibers (a different collagen type), and PASM stains polysaccharides and basement membranes—not elastic fibers. So the combination of Verhoeff and Aldehyde fuchsin is the best pick for elastic staining.