What are the Steps Involved in Masson's Trichrome Staining?
The procedure generally involves the following steps:
Fixation: Tissue samples are fixed in formalin to preserve cellular structures. Mordanting: Tissues are treated with a mordant, often Bouin's solution, to enhance dye binding. Staining: The sample is stained with Weigert's iron hematoxylin, followed by Biebrich scarlet-acid fuchsin. Differentiation: The sample is treated with phosphomolybdic-phosphotungstic acid, which removes the red dye from collagen, leaving it ready to be stained by the final dye, aniline blue or light green. Counterstaining: Aniline blue or light green is applied to stain collagen fibers. Mounting: The stained tissue is dehydrated, cleared, and mounted for microscopic examination.
