The Biebrich solution used in histology and scientific laboratories consists of Biebrich scarlet, acid fuchsin, Ponceau 2R, acetic acid and distilled aqua. / deionized water. It is an important component of staining kits, particularly trichrome for elastic fibers, and is used to distinguish collagen from muscle tissue in medical diagnostics.

Biebrich scarlet, a molecule discovered in 1878, is used to stain hydrophobic materials such as fat and oil. Acid fuchsin, a triphenylmethane dye, is required for Masson-Goldner trichrome staining and was used by Paul Ehrlich to stain acid-fast tuberculosis bacteria. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to find specific information on Ponceau 2R that is relevant in this context.

Using the Biebrich solution produces stains that show cell nuclei black, cytoplasm brown, muscle and myelinated fibers red, collagen blue, and erythrocytes scarlet.