Krajian's
Iron Hematoxylin

Ingredient	Amount	Function
Hematoxylin	6 g	Dye
Ferric ammonium sulphate	6 g	Mordant
Ferric chloride	6 g	Mordant
Potassium iodide	6 g	–
95% ethanol	50 mL	Solvent
Distilled water	50 mL	Solvent

 

Compounding procedure
Dissolve the hematoxylin in the ethanol.
Dissolve the other ingredients in the water.
Combine the solutions.

Method

1. Bring sections to water with xylene and ethanol.
2. Place into the staining solution for 3 minutes.
3. Rinse with tap water.
4. Dip briefly in 1% hydrochloric acid in 70% ethanol.
5. Wash well in running tap water to blue.
6. Rinse with distilled water.
7. Counterstain if desired.
8. Dehydrate with ethanol, clear with xylene and mount with a resinous medium.

Expected results

• Nuclei  –  black
• Background  –  as counterstain or unstained

Notes

1. Gray states that this solution is, "an excellent general purpose hematoxylin".
2. The stability of the solution is not commented on, but it is likely not stable for long.
3. This method is from a technique for micro-organisms, so the staining time may need to be adjusted for sections.

 

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