Garvey's Alum Hematoxylin
Materials
Material | Amount | Function |
---|---|---|
Hematoxylin | 2.5 g | Dye |
Potassium alum | 45 g | Mordant |
Distilled water | 900 mL | Solvent |
100% ethanol | 100 mL | Solvent |
Sodium iodate | 0.3 g | Oxidant |
Citric acid | 1 g | Acidifier |
Compounding procedures
- Dissolve the hematoxylin in the ethanol.
- Dissolve the Alum in the distilled water with heat.
- Combine the two solutions, then add the sodium iodate and citric acid.
- Shake well to dissolve.
- The solution may be used immediately, and is stable for several months.
Protocol
- Bring sections to water with xylene and ethanol.
- Place into the staining solution for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse with water and blue.
- Rinse well with water.
- Counterstain if desired.
- Dehydrate with ethanol, clear with xylene and mount with a resinous medium.
Expected Results
- Nuclei – blue
- Background – as counterstain or unstained
Notes
- Ammonium Alum may be used instead of potassium alum.
- As the solution was recommended as a substitute for Mayer’s Alum hematoxylin, staining times and results should be comparable. However, the increased hematoxylin content indicates the solution should stain more darkly.
- Blueing is done with alkaline solutions such as hard tap water, Scott’s tap water substitute, 0.1% ammonia water, 1% aqueous sodium acetate, 0.5% aqueous lithium carbonate etc.
Safety Note
Prior to handling any chemical, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for proper handling and safety precautions.
References
- Winsome Garvey,
Modification of the Mayer Hematoxylin stain,
Journal of Histotechnology, v.14, No.3, p.163