Improvements to Collagen and Nuclear Staining of the Masson's Trichrome

A simple solution consisting of dilute acetic acid in alcohol is suggested for the final rinse following staining with light green of the Masson's trichrome. This solution has the effect of dramatically reducing loss of the light green dye from the collagen during the final rinse, resulting in marked improvement of the collagen staining and demonstration of the fine detail. Nuclear staining may be improved by the use of Regaud's hematoxylin, as per Masson's original technique. (The J Histotechnol 24:271, 2001)Submitted: May 4, 2001; Accepted: July 5, 2001