Usually referred to as F.A.B., this fixative is often recommended for central nervous tissue, i.e. brain and spinal cord. According to Kiernan, the pH is about 1.5 and it is probably that factor which makes it an effective fixative for tissues on which silver and gold impregnations are to be done to demonstrate the cells and processes of the CNS. It also permits the usual staining methods (H&E etc.).

Time

This fixative should be applied overnight at a minimum, but fixation is not complete until applied for a few days.

Aftertreatment

There is no special aftertreatment required.