Visakha Institute of Skin & AllergyPAS | Gram | Fite-Faraco | Elastic Van Gieson (EVG)
Visakha Institute of Skin & Allergy, Visakhapatnam, provides specialist skin biopsy histopathology and special histochemical staining services for dermatologists, pathologists, hospitals and diagnostic laboratories across India.
Routine tissue processing is performed in-house, with histopathological interpretation by **Dr Sasi Kiran Attili**, consultant dermatologist and internationally certified dermatopathologist.
Special stains are selected according to the microscopic findings and clinical differential diagnosis, rather than applied indiscriminately to every specimen.
Special Stains Available for Skin Biopsies
PAS (Periodic Acid–Schiff) Stain
PAS staining is frequently used in dermatopathology to highlight fungal organisms in the stratum corneum, hair follicles and skin tissue.
It is particularly helpful when dermatophytosis is clinically suspected but organisms are inconspicuous on routine sections.
PAS can also highlight certain basement membrane and tissue components, although these findings require interpretation in the context of the underlying lesion.
Gram Stain
Gram staining may demonstrate bacteria in tissue sections, particularly in selected suppurative and infectious lesions.
Its sensitivity is variable, and a negative tissue Gram stain does not exclude bacterial infection. Histopathological findings should be correlated with microbiological investigations when clinically indicated.
Fite-Faraco Stain
Fite-Faraco staining is particularly useful in the histopathological evaluation of suspected leprosy.
It is used to demonstrate acid-fast bacilli in tissue sections, with results interpreted alongside the inflammatory pattern, nerve involvement and clinical presentation.
A negative stain does not exclude paucibacillary leprosy.
Elastic Van Gieson (EVG) Stain
EVG highlights elastic fibres and can help assess their distribution, loss or alteration within the dermis.
It may assist in evaluating disorders associated with elastic tissue abnormalities, including selected cases of anetoderma and elastolysis.
The staining pattern is interpreted in relation to the clinical presentation and routine histology.
Why Specialist Interpretation Matters
A special stain rarely establishes a dermatological diagnosis in isolation.
For example, demonstration of fungal organisms may provide direct evidence of infection, while abnormalities in dermal elastic tissue often require additional histopathological and clinical correlation.
At Visakha Institute of Skin & Allergy, special stains are interpreted as part of the overall dermatopathological assessment rather than reported merely as positive or negative results.
Can I Send an Existing Skin Biopsy Block for Special Stains?
Yes. We accept existing paraffin blocks from diagnostic centres across India.
Please provide the original H&E sections, previous report and the clinical question whenever possible.
If you are sending a new skin biopsy for complete histopathology, the specimen should generally be submitted in 10% neutral buffered formalin.
For previously prepared material, a paraffin block is preferred when additional sections and stains are required.
Charges for Special Stains
Investigation and Charge
PAS, Gram and Fite-Faraco when indicated during routine punch biopsy reporting | Included in routine reporting fee |
| EVG stain | ₹1,000 |
Additional standalone staining or review | Confirm before dispatch |
Routine punch biopsy reporting is ₹1,500.
Charges for referred blocks requiring special stains without routine histopathology reporting can be confirmed before testing.
Nationwide Skin Biopsy Referrals
Referring clinicians and laboratories from anywhere in India may submit appropriately packaged biopsy material by courier.
Please contact us before dispatch with details of the investigations required. Reports are issued electronically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can special stains be performed on a biopsy processed at another laboratory?
Yes, provided suitable paraffin-embedded tissue is available.
Is PAS staining always necessary for suspected fungal infections?
No. Fungal organisms may be readily identifiable on routine H&E sections. PAS is particularly useful when organisms are inconspicuous or diagnostic uncertainty persists.
Can a negative Fite-Faraco stain exclude leprosy?
No. Bacilli may not be demonstrable in paucibacillary disease.
Can I send specimens from outside Visakhapatnam?
Yes. We accept skin biopsy referrals from across India.
Contact for Special Stain Requests
Dr Sasi Kiran Attili
Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
Visakha Institute of Skin & Allergy
Maharanipeta, Visakhapatnam – 530002
Andhra Pradesh, India
WhatsApp: +91 90009 86966
Email: ldpathindia@gmail.com
For specialist histopathology reporting, immunohistochemistry and second opinions, see our main [Dermatopathology Referral Service](https://www.visakhaskinclinic.com/treatments/skin-biopsy-histopathology-slide-reporting/) page.
Contact us before couriering specimens to confirm the required investigations and submission arrangements.