Mallory's
Alum Hematoxylin

Ingredient	Amount	Function
Hematoxylin	2.5 g	Dye
Potassium alum	50 g	Mordant
Distilled water	1 L	Solvent
Thymol	2.5 g	Preservative

 

Compounding procedure
Dissolve the dye and alum in the water.
Add the thymol.
Allow to ripen before use.

Method

1. Bring sections to water with xylene and ethanol.
2. Place into the staining solution for an appropriate time.
3. Rinse well with water.
4. Differentiate with acid ethanol if necessary.
5. Rinse with water and blue.
6. Rinse well with water.
7. Counterstain if desired.
8. Dehydrate with ethanol, clear with xylene and mount with a resinous medium.

Expected results

• Nuclei  –  blue
• Background  –  as counterstain or unstained

Notes

1. The staining time should be determined by trial.
2. Acid ethanol is 0.5% - 1% hydrochloric acid in 70% ethanol.
3. 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.