Staining Methods Flashcards
7 cards from real Histology Certification practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Staining Methods flashcards as text
Which staining method is used to differentiate Gram-positive from Gram-negative bacteria in tissue sections?
Answer: Brown-Hopps tissue Gram stain
The Brown-Hopps modification of the tissue Gram stain allows differentiation of Gram-positive (blue) and Gram-negative (red) bacteria in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue.
Thioflavin T and thioflavin S are fluorescent stains used to detect which substance?
Answer: Amyloid
Thioflavin T and S bind to the beta-pleated sheet structure of amyloid fibrils and fluoresce bright yellow-green under UV illumination.
The Luxol fast blue (LFB) stain is primarily used to demonstrate which tissue component?
Answer: Myelin sheaths
Luxol fast blue stains myelin sheaths blue, making it the standard stain for evaluating myelination and demyelinating diseases in neuropathology.
In immunofluorescence, what is the purpose of a secondary antibody?
Answer: To amplify signal by binding to the primary antibody and carrying a fluorescent label
A fluorochrome-conjugated secondary antibody binds to the primary antibody, amplifying the signal and making the target antigen visible under fluorescent microscopy.
Which stain is used to highlight calcium deposits (calcification) in tissue?
Answer: Von Kossa stain
Von Kossa stain reacts with phosphate or carbonate anions associated with calcium deposits, producing black or brown precipitates.
What is the primary application of the Perls' Prussian blue stain?
Answer: Detecting iron (hemosiderin)
Perls' Prussian blue reacts ferric iron (Fe³⁺) with potassium ferrocyanide to form insoluble bright blue Prussian blue, identifying hemosiderin deposits.
Which counterstain is typically paired with the Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) stain?
Answer: Light green
Light green counterstain provides a pale green background in GMS, contrasting with the black fungal elements and aiding interpretation.