Iron hematoxylin is more resistant to decolorization than aluminum hematoxylin. Since there are so many acid steps that follow the hematoxylin, it is wise to use the Weigert's so you do not have to worry about decolorizing the other tissue elements too far. However, if you optimize your stain to the use of the Gill's and the pathologists agree that staining intensity is optimal then it should be fine. I wouldn't do it without optimizing first. So overall, the two are not exactly interchangeable since some of the subsequent staining steps may have to be altered.
Thanks, Nacaela Johnson, HTL (ASCP) Histotechnologist KCCC Pathology 12000 110th St., Ste. 400 Overland Park, KS 66210 Office: 913-234-0576 Fax: 913-433-7639 Email: nacaela.john...@usoncology.com -----Original Message----- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Blundon, Kimberly Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 2:55 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Re: Weigert's Iron Hematoxylin Hi Histonetters, I have a quick question regarding Weigert's Iron Hematoxylin and Gill's 3 Hematoxylin. One of the guys here thinks that we can interchange these 2 stains. I am attempting to perform a Masson Trichrome stain and it calls for Weigert's Iron Hematoxylin. This person in my lab says to just use Gill's Hematoxylin in place of the Weigert's stain. Is this right? Thanks for your help Kimberly _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet </pre>The contents of this electronic mail message and any attachments are confidential, possibly privileged and intended for the addressee(s) only.<br>Only the addressee(s) may read, disseminate, retain or otherwise use this message. If received in error, please immediately inform the sender and then delete this message without disclosing its contents to anyone.</pre> _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet