Mallory & Wright's Alum Hematoxylin Variants
Materials
| Material | Standard Formula | Strong Formula | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hematoxylin | 1 g | 1 g | Dye |
| Ammonium alum, saturated aqueous | 100 mL | 100 mL | Mordant |
| Distilled water | 300 mL | – | Solvent |
Compounding Procedure
- Dissolve the hematoxylin in the Alum solution by warming if necessary.
- Add the water if the standard solution is being used.
- Plug the container with cotton wool.
- Ripen for approximately ten days.
- Place the stopper tightly.
- Filter before use. The solution is stable for 2-3 months.
- A small crystal of thymol may be added.
Protocol
- Bring sections to water with xylene and ethanol.
- Place into the staining solution for an appropriate time.
- Rinse well with water.
- Differentiate with acid ethanol if necessary.
- 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
- The standard solution is for routine, formalin fixed tissues.
- The strong solution is recommended for Zenker fixed tissues.
- The staining time should be determined by trial.
- Acid ethanol is 0.5% – 1% hydrochloric acid in 70% ethanol.
- 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
- Mallory, F. B. & Wright, J.H., (1904)
Pathological technique, Ed.3
W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia, USA.
