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Iodine-Thiosulphate Sequence To Remove Mercury Pigment

Iodine-Thiosulphate Sequence

To Remove Mercury Pigment

6
steps
4
materials

Materials

Solution A

MaterialAmount
Iodine1g
Potassium iodide2g
Distilled water300mL

Preparation

  1. Mix the dry iodine and potassium iodide.
  2. Add 5 millilitres of water and swirl until dissolved.
  3. Add the rest of the water.

Solution B

MaterialAmount
Sodium thiosulphate3g
Distilled water100mL

Tissue Sample

Use on sections fixed with a solution containing mercuric chloride.

Protocol

  1. Bring sections to water by an appropriate method.
  2. Place into solution A for five minutes.
  3. Rinse well with water.
  4. Place into solution B for a few minutes until the tissue is bleached.
  5. Wash in water.
  6. Continue with the main stain.

Expected Results

Mercury pigment is removed.

Notes

  • The iodine solution given is Gram’s iodine formula. Almost any other iodine solution will be satisfactory. Some technologists prefer to use a 0.1% alcoholic solution (tincture) of iodine.

Safety Note

Prior to handling any chemical, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for proper handling and safety precautions.

References

  1. Drury, R.A.B. and Wallington, E.A., (1980)Carleton’s histological technique Ed. 5Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.

Almost every reference text will include details of the iodine-thiosulphate sequence.