Verhoeff Van Gieson (VVG) Stain: Clear Differentiation of Elastic Fibers and Collagen 

At iHisto, we provide Verhoeff Van Gieson (VVG) staining to distinguish elastic fibers, collagen, and muscle/cytoplasmic elements in tissue — essential for evaluating fibrosis, vascular remodeling, and connective tissue integrity.

🧪 Overview

VVG staining combines Verhoeff’s elastic stain with Van Gieson’s collagen counterstain, offering multi-component visualization in a single slide. It is particularly valuable in:

• Vascular pathology – Aorta, arteries, aneurysms

• Pulmonary research – Fibrosis, alveolar elastin

• Dermatopathology – Elastosis, aging, or connective tissue diseases

• Liver & tumor studies – Fibrosis and stromal architecture

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iHisto’s optimized protocol delivers consistent, high-contrast results for both preclinical models and human specimens.

⚙️ How VVG Staining Works

VVG involves two key reactions:

• Verhoeff’s Stain: Hematoxylin, ferric chloride, and iodine bind to elastic fibers, turning them deep black

• Van Gieson Counterstain: Acid fuchsin stains collagen red, and picric acid stains muscle/cytoplasm yellow

Color Results:

• Elastic fibers → black

• Collagen → red

• Muscle/cytoplasm → yellow

• Nuclei → dark blue to black

This allows precise tissue architecture evaluation, especially in disease models affecting elastin and ECM.

🧬 Step-by-Step Staining Process

1. Fixation & Sectioning – FFPE tissue cut at 4–6 µm

2. Deparaffinization & Hydration – Slides rehydrated into water

3. Verhoeff’s Elastic Staining – Elastic fibers stained black

4. Differentiation – Ferric chloride enhances contrast

5. Van Gieson Counterstaining – Collagen turns red; muscle/cytoplasm yellow

6. Dehydration & Mounting – Slides sealed for microscopy and archiving

🔬 Applications of Verhoeff Van Gieson Staining 

VVG is widely used in histology to assess fibrotic remodeling and elastic fiber structure.

Common use cases:

• Aortic pathology – Elastic laminae damage, medial degeneration

• Pulmonary fibrosis – Loss of alveolar elastin

• Skin biopsies – Solar elastosis, aging changes

• Liver fibrosis models – Complements Trichrome/Reticulin staining

• Tumor analysis – Evaluate stromal ECM and desmoplasia

Whether you're studying ECM remodeling or tissue degeneration, VVG offers unparalleled clarity of elastic and collagen components.

✅ Why Choose iHisto for VVG Staining

• ✅ High-contrast, reproducible staining of elastin and collagen

• ✅ Compatible with human and rodent tissue

• ✅ Suitable for vascular, dermal, pulmonary, and liver studies

• ✅ Optional pathologist review and interpretation

• ✅ Digital slide scanning with HistoCloud delivery

We support clinical research, CRO studies, and academic institutions with customized VVG staining solutions.

❓ FAQs 

• What does Verhoeff Van Gieson stain detect?
  Elastic fibers (black), collagen (red), muscle/cytoplasm (yellow), and nuclei (blue to black).

• Is this stain used for aortic or pulmonary pathology?
  Yes — VVG is commonly used to assess aortic elastic laminae and pulmonary alveolar structure.

• Can it be applied to both rodent and human samples?
  Absolutely. Our validated workflow is suitable for clinical specimens and preclinical research tissues.

• Do you provide slide digitization?
  Yes — we offer whole-slide scanning, accessible via secure cloud or encrypted storage.

📩 Request a Quote or Consultation 

Need high-contrast visualization of elastic fibers and collagen? At iHisto, our Verhoeff Van Gieson staining service supports vascular, pulmonary, dermal, and fibrotic pathology — with rapid turnaround, expert processing, and digital accessibility.

👉 Request a Quote or email info@ihisto.io