Which technique is used to stain Melanin and Argentaffin cell granules?

Prepare for the Histopathologic Techniques Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

The Masson-Fontana technique is specifically designed to detect melanin pigments and argentaffin granules in tissue specimens. This staining method is particularly useful in histopathology because it highlights the presence of melanin, which is critical for diagnosing certain types of tumors and pigmentation disorders. Argentaffin cells, which contain granules that can reduce silver salts, are also effectively stained by this technique, making it a key method in identifying neuroendocrine neoplasms, such as carcinoid tumors. The specificity of the Masson-Fontana stain for these components is what makes it the appropriate choice for this purpose.

The other techniques mentioned are used for different staining purposes—Wade-Fite stain is typically used for acid-fast bacilli, Giemsa stain is commonly employed for blood and bone marrow specimens to identify various cell types, and Von Kossa's Method is aimed at staining calcium in tissues. These techniques do not selectively target melanin and argentaffin granules, which emphasizes the relevance of the Masson-Fontana method for the question presented.

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