1 It is often used with a green counterstain such a fast green or a blue counterstain, e. g. hematoxylin. See staining.

2 Double staining involves the use of two stains; the second is called the counterstain.

3 They do not fade or damage specimens. Examples include fast green and the counterstain safranin. See also negative staining.

4 Labelling microcircumstance, the size of vessel opening diameter and counterstain may also affect the result.

5 Light green A stain sued in light microscopy to show up cytoplasm and cellulose. It is commonly used as a counterstain with safranin to highlight cytoplasm. See staining.