Paquin and Goddard's
Iron Hematoxylin

Hematoxylin solution	Amount	Function
Hematoxylin	0.8 g	Dye
Ferric ammonium sulphate	5 g	Mordant
Ammonium sulphate	0.7 g	–
95% ethanol	25 mL	Solvent
Glycerol	13 mL	Solvent
Distilled water	75 mL	Solvent
Picric ethanol	Amount	Function
Picric acid, saturated ethanolic.	6 mL	Acid
95% ethanol	94 mL	Solvent

 

Compounding procedure
Combine the glycerol and ethanol.
Add the hematoxylin and dissolve using gentle heat.
Dissolve the other ingredients in the water.
Add slowly to the hematoxylin solution with agitation.
Let stand for 24 hours before use.

Method

1. Bring sections to water with xylene and ethanol.
2. Place into the staining solution for 5 minutes.
3. Rinse with tap water.
4. Dip briefly in 1% hydrochloric acid in picric 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. This was specified as an acid resistant nuclear stain prior to Paquin & Goddard's trichrome. It is also suitable for other methods requiring an acid resistant nuclear stain.

 

Reference

Gray, Peter. (1954)
The Microtomist's Formulary and Guide.
Originally published by:– The Blakiston Co.
Republished by:– Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co.
  Citing:–
    Paquin and Goddard, (1947)
    Bulletin of the International Association of Medical Museums
     and Journal of Technical Methods, v. 27, p. 198