Elastic Fiber Special Stain

Elastic fiber staining (such as Verhoeff–Van Gieson or Weigert's Elastic Stain) is a specialized textile staining technique designed to distinguish elastic fibers (elastin) from collagen fibers and other components. In the classic Van Gieson formula, the dye selectively binds to elastic fibers, giving them a dark color (black, purple, or dark blue), while collagen fibers appear red and cells yellow.