Double staining method: Jones' periodic acid silver methenamine technique plus Masson's trichrome stain.

The methodical, frequent and simultaneous use of Jones' periodic acid silver methenamine technique and Masson's trichrome stain, prepared independently, have been of great help to us for histopathological diagnosis. We wholly acknowledge that individual results of both techniques are excellent and that they can complement each other. Nevertheless, we intended to perform the two methods in a single histological preparation, expecting to combine their respective tinctorial virtues. After multiple trials it became clear to us that Jones' silver methenamine should be used as the base stain and Masson's trichrome as a counterstain. By adding to Masson's trichrome stain the capacity to visualize basal membranes and basal laminas as well as elastic fibers, a foreseen natural effect of silver methenamine action, the information that the trichrome stain can provide is greatly enhanced. Some of many splendid results that this double stain can provide were found to be in the study and diagnosis of neoplasias and vascular diseases. This new double stain serves as a complement to the two techniques that gave rise to it, in no way is it intended to replace them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]