Which statement is true about van Gieson solution composition?

• A. Picric acid and acid fuchsin
• B. Hematoxylin and eosin
• C. Methylene blue and eosin
• D. Soxhlet extraction and kerosene

Answer: (A)

Van Gieson solution is composed of picric acid and acid fuchsin. The yellow tint comes from picric acid, while the red from the acid fuchsin provides contrast in staining. This combination makes collagen fibers appear yellow and muscle, cytoplasm, and other cell components appear red, allowing clear differentiation of connective tissue from other elements. The other options refer to different staining systems or solvents that aren’t used to make up van Gieson, so they don’t describe its composition.