Which sequence describes Wade-Fites stain steps?

Study for the CAMLPR Histology Practice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Wade-Fite staining is an acid-fast technique used to visualize lepra bacilli (Mycobacterium leprae) in tissue, and it uses a lipid-preserving deparaffinization step with peanut oil before staining. The sequence begins with deparaffinization using peanut oil and xylene, which helps keep the lipid-rich organisms intact so they can take up the stain. Next, the primary stain Carbol Fuchsin is applied to penetrate the waxy cell wall of acid-fast bacteria. After staining, an acid-alcohol decolorizer is used; this removes the stain from non–acid-fast organisms while the lipid-rich, acid-fast bacilli retain it. Finally, a contrasting counterstain like Methylene Blue is applied to color the background and non–acid-fast elements, making the acid-fast organisms stand out in red-pink against a blue background.

This aligns with the option that uses peanut oil/xylene deparaffinization, Carbol Fuchsin, Acid Alcohol, and Methylene Blue. The other sequences differ in the staining reagent (alkaline Fuchsin vs Carbol Fuchsin), the decolorizer (ethanol instead of acid-alcohol), or the counterstain, which are not consistent with the Wade-Fite protocol.