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La Manna’s Iron Hematoxylin

La Manna's Iron Hematoxylin

8
steps
3
materials

Materials

MaterialAmountFunction
Hematoxylin1 gDye
Ferric ammonium sulfate3 gMordant
Distilled water100 mLSolvent

Compounding Procedure

  1. Dissolve the iron alum in half the water.
  2. Dissolve the hematoxylin in the rest.
  3. Combine.

Protocol

  1. Bring sections to water with xylene and ethanol.
  2. Place into the staining solution for an appropriate time.
  3. Rinse with tap water.
  4. Dip briefly in 1% hydrochloric acid in 70% 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

  • The simplicity of the formula suggests the solution is not stable for long.
  • The staining time should be determined by trial.

Safety Note

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

References

  1. Gray, Peter. (1954)
    The Microtomist’s Formulary and Guide.
    Originally published by: The Blakiston Co.
    Republished by: Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co.
    Citing:
    La Manna, (1937)
    Zeitschrift für wissenschaftliche Mikroskopie und für mikroskopische Technik,
    v. 22, p. 55. Leipzig.