I routinely freeze Karnovsky's fixative (paraformaldehyde and glutaraldehyde mix) in small aliquots. When you thaw, just vigorously shake to make sure all is in solution. Have had no problems with fixation.
Peggy -----Original Message----- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Margaret Blount Sent: Monday, January 31, 2011 4:01 AM To: Jan Berry; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] fixation question for IHC It is possible to freeze paraformaldehyde in aliquots, so you don't have to keep on making it up repeatedly as we did in the old days. I have also seen that you can buy Pure formaldehyde, but I don't remember who the supplier was. It was in sealed ampoules and was 16% so you could dilute it in your preferred buffer. I have to say that this was about 10 years ago! Margaret Miss Margaret Blount Histology Manager Metabolic Research Laboratories Level 4 Institute of Metabolic Science Box 289, Addenbrooke's Hospital Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ Tel 01223 769061/336079 -----Original Message----- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Jan Berry Sent: 28 January 2011 18:15 To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] fixation question for IHC Is there a difference between using paraformaldehyde and neutral buffered formalin when choosing a fixative for IHC? I would prefer to use formalin because of easier preparation, but am willing to put in the extra time to make fresh paraformaldehyde solution if there is a compelling reason. Jan Berry University of Michigan _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet The information in this e-mail is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed. If you believe this e-mail was sent to you in error and the e-mail contains patient information, please contact the Partners Compliance HelpLine at http://www.partners.org/complianceline . If the e-mail was sent to you in error but does not contain patient information, please contact the sender and properly dispose of the e-mail. _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet