Improved iron-hematoxylin stain for elastic fibers.

A modification of Verhoeff's elastic tissue stain with connective tissue counterstaining is described. The modified procedure requires no differentiation of the elastic fibers, thus eliminating the problem of over- or understaining of elastic fibers. The procedure is easy to perform and yields consistently good results with sharply defined elastic fibers that are easily distinguishable from other connective tissue elements. It is recommended for routine use, particularly when photomicrography is desired.