Crétin's
Iron Hematoxylin

Solution A	Amount	Function
Ferrous sulphate	4 g	Mordant
Distilled water	100 mL	Solvent
Solution B	Amount	Function
Potassium ferrocyanide	2 g	Mordant
Potassium ferricyanide	1 g	Mordant
Distilled water	100 mL	Solvent
Solution C	Amount	Function
Hematoxylin	0.5 g	Dye
Distilled water	100 mL	Solvent
Solution D	Amount	Function
Ferric ammonium sulphate	5 g	Mordant
Distilled water	100 mL	Solvent

 

Compounding procedure
Make each solution seperately.

Method

1. Bring sections to water with xylene and ethanol.
2. Place into solution A for 24 hours.
3. Wash with running tap water overnight.
4. Place into solution B for 3-6 hours.
5. Rinse with distilled water.
6. Place into solution C overnight.
7. Place into solution D until differentiated.
8. Dehydrate with ethanol, clear with xylene and mount with a resinous medium.

Expected results

• Nuclei  –  dense black

Notes

1. The stock solutions should be stable for some time.

 

Reference

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