Histopathology basics · USMLE Step 1

Which special stain would be most helpful to highlight collagen fibers in a tissue biopsy?

  1. H&E stain alone
  2. Alcian blue stain
  3. Masson trichrome stain
  4. PAS stain
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Correct answer: Masson trichrome stain

Connective tissue stains such as Van Gieson or trichrome specifically color collagen fibers distinctly (e.g., red or blue depending on stain), aiding in assessing fibrosis or connective tissue changes more clearly than H&E alone.

Difficulty: Medium Question 11 of 22

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