Lee's
Alum Hematoxylin

Ingredient	Amount	Function
Hematoxylin	1 g	Dye
Ammonium alum	50 g	Mordant
Distilled water	1 L	Solvent
Chloral hydrate	50 g	Stabiliser
Sodium iodate	0.2 g	Oxidant

 

Compounding procedure
Combine all the ingredients.
Bring to a boil.
Cool and filter.
The solution may be used immediately.

Method

1. Bring sections to water with xylene and ethanol.
2. Place into the staining solution for 5-10 minutes.
3. Rinse with water and blue.
4. Rinse well with water.
5. Counterstain if desired.
6. Dehydrate with ethanol, clear with xylene and mount with a resinous medium.

Expected results

• Nuclei  –  blue
• Background  –  as counterstain or unstained

Notes

1. The solution is similar to Mayer's hemalum and should have much the same characteristics.
2. Blueing is done with alkaline solutions such as hard tap water, Scott’s tap water substitute, 0.1% ammonia water, 1% aqueous sodium acetate, 0.5% aqueous lithium carbonate etc.

 

Reference
Gray, Peter. (1954)
The Microtomist's Formulary and Guide.
Originally published by:– The Blakiston Co.
Republished by:– Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co.