Weiss' Trichrome
for Muscle and Collagen
Materials
- Weigert’s iron hematoxylin or equivalent
- Solution A
Material Amount Acid fuchsin 0.04 g Distilled water 100 mL - Solution B
Material Amount Aniline blue 0.5 g Orange G 2 g Phosphomolybdic acid 1 g Distilled water 100 mL
Tissue Sample
5µ paraffin sections of neutral buffered formalin fixed tissue are suitable. Other fixatives are likely to be satisfactory. Most trichrome stains benefit from picric acid or mercuric chloride fixation. Formalin fixed tissues may benefit from secondary fixation of sections in Bouin’s fluid.
Protocol
- Bring sections to water via xylene and ethanol.
- Stain with an acid resistant nuclear stain.
- Place into solution A for 1 minute.
- Drain.
- Place into solution B for 4 minutes.
- Wash briefly with distilled water.
- Dehydrate with ethanol.
- Clear with xylene and mount with a resinous medium.
Expected Results
- Nuclei – black
- Erythrocytes – yellow
- Cytoplasm – red
- Collagen – Blue
Notes
- The original recommended nuclear staining in Delafield’s alum hematoxylin, with blueing.
- This differs from Brillmeyer’s trichrome by using a weaker acid fuchsin solution and staining in aniline blue for a much shorter time.
Safety Note
Prior to handling any chemical, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for proper handling and safety precautions.
References
- Gray, Peter. (1954)
The Microtomist’s Formulary and Guide.
Originally published by: The Blakiston Co.
Republished by: Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co.
Citing:
Weiss, (1932)
Stain Technology, v. 7, pp. 131
