Hamilton Alum Hematoxylin
This formula is based on Langeron’s 1942 (Mayer’s) formula. It has been referred to as Hamilton Alum hematoxylin as it was received via the internet from a histotechnologist at the Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Materials
Material | Amount | Function |
---|---|---|
Hematoxylin | 2 g | Dye |
Ammonium alum | 75 g | Mordant |
Distilled water | 950 mL | Solvent |
100% ethanol | 50 mL | Solvent |
Sodium iodate | 0.3 g | Oxidant |
Glacial acetic acid | 30 mL | Acidifier |
Compounding Procedure
- Dissolve the Alum in the water.
- Add the ethanol and mix well.
- Add the hematoxylin and dissolve.
- Add the sodium iodate and mix well.
- Leave overnight in the dark to ripen.
- Mix well, and add the acetic acid.
- Filter.
- The solution may be used immediately.
Protocol
- Bring sections to water with xylene and ethanol.
- Place into the staining solution for 3 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
- Potassium Alum may be used instead of ammonium alum.
- The solution is progressive.
- 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
Personal internet communication, source unidentified.