Which sequence lists the reagents and order for the Gordon and Sweet silver stain?

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!

The sequence tests you on is the Gordon and Sweet silver stain protocol, where the order of steps is essential for building the silver image properly. It starts with potassium permanganate to oxidize tissue components and create receptive sites for silver uptake while bleaching inherent pigments. Next, oxalic acid removes residual manganese dioxide and helps finish the bleaching so background stays light, preparing the area for selective silver deposition. Iron alum then acts as a mordant, forming complexes that help anchor silver ions to the tissue structures of interest, like reticular fibers. The ammoniacal silver solution provides the silver ions that will be deposited onto those prepared sites. Formalin serves as the reducing agent that converts those silver ions into metallic silver, forming the visible image. Gold chloride toning follows to stabilize and enhance the contrast of the silver image, often giving a richer, more permanent color. Sodium thiosulfate is used to remove any unreduced or nonspecifically bound silver, sharpening and fixing the image. Finally, neutral red provides a contrasting background stain so the silver-stained structures stand out clearly. Deviating from this order disrupts the development, toning, or fixation steps, leading to poor or nonspecific staining.