## **Core Concept**
Amyloidosis is a condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid, a particular protein, in various tissues of the body. The detection of amyloid deposits is crucial for diagnosing amyloidosis. Amyloid proteins can be stained with specific dyes to aid in their identification.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **Congo Red**, is a specific dye used for staining amyloid. Congo Red is a histopathological stain that binds to amyloid fibrils, and when viewed under polarized light, amyloid deposits stained with Congo Red exhibit a characteristic green birefringence. This property makes Congo Red a valuable tool for the histological diagnosis of amyloidosis.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Crystal Violet is indeed used in the diagnosis of amyloidosis but is less specific than Congo Red. It stains amyloid but does not exhibit the diagnostic green birefringence under polarized light.
* **Option B:** Prussian Blue is used for detecting iron deposits in tissues, not amyloid.
* **Option D:** PAS (Periodic Acid-Schiff) stain is used to detect polysaccharides such as glycogen, and glycoproteins but not specifically amyloid.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that the diagnosis of amyloidosis often involves biopsy of the affected organ, and Congo Red staining with polarization is the gold standard for confirming amyloid deposition. The green birefringence seen under polarized light after Congo Red staining is pathognomonic for amyloidosis.
## **Correct Answer:** . Congo Red
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.