I was just going to post a question regarding paraformaldhyde myself! Just last week I believe I remember someone saying that paraformaldehyde and formalin are the same and they had put the same solution in two different containers for one of their researchers because they were so insistent to have two different solutions. Are they the same?
Well, today I have a request to put tissue for a researcher in formalin and paraformaldehyde. So.... Without percentage required, do I use 10% NBF? Do I call somewhere and get paraformaldehyde and make 4% paraformaldehyde? I have asked the surgeon twice for the number for the lab so I can find out - don't have it yet. I have two fresh adrenals in the fridge. Help!! Thanks in advance... Joyce Joyce Weems Pathology Manager Saint Joseph's Hospital 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30342 678-843-7376 - Phone 678-843-7831 - Fax -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Pat Flannery Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 11:59 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Silly Question? Please humor me on this if it's obvious (to everyone but me): why do we use paraformaldehyde (which is so inconvenient to make up) rather than buffered formalin or just diluted formaldehyde itself? It seems that around here, some folks prefer paraformaldehyde (either 2% or 4%) and others use formalin, while some others stick to diluted formaldehyde (I see all 4 on labels for specimens submitted for histology). Is it mostly a matter of personal preference or where you were trained (i.e. force of habit) or is there a valid reason to use each solution (basically the same chemical once in solution, merely buffered or not)? The only answer I've gotten when I've asked is, "That's what we always use." Thanks. -Pat Flannery (not a "real" histologist - I just play one in the lab) _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet Confidentiality Notice: This email, including any attachments is the property of Catholic Health East and is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error, then delete this message. _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet