Alexander's
Schiff Reagent

Solution

Ingredient	Amount
Pararosanilin	1 g
Distilled water	200 mL
Sodium hydrosulphite	1 g
Activated charcoal (powder)	1 g

 

Preparation
Bring the water to boiling.
Remove from the heat and add the dye (be careful of foaming).
Filter while hot.
Immediately add the hydrosulphite and activated charcoal.
Shake thoroughly, and filter.
Store at 0-5°C in a tightly stoppered bottle.

 

Notes

1. Sodium hydrosulphite is also known as sodium dithionite, Na₂S₂O₄. Do not confuse with sodium hyposulphite, an older name for sodium thiosulphate (hypo).
2. The solution should be colourless or very pale amber. Brown solutions will often stain poorly. Usually these have been made from a batch of basic fuchsin containing too little pararosanilin.

 

Reference
Lillie, R.D., (1954)
Histopathologic technique and practical histochemistry Ed.2
Blakiston, New York, USA.

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