Hi Ronnie, For EM on clinical samples we use Karnovsky's fixative, which is a glutaraldehyde/paraformaldehyde solution in 0.1M cacodylate buffer. We prepare our own but you can buy it. We found it does the best job in preserving the cell organelles and membranes. We do not check the osmolality, but we check the pH and adjust accordingly to 7.4. Keep in the fridge. I hope this helps.
Iliana Dimitrova, B. Tech, MSc, RT Histology Supervisor Room 2808 Medical Education and Laboratory Support Services (MELSS) Faculty of Medicine Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John's, NL Canada A1B 3V6 Tel: 709.777.8389 Fax: 709.777.6746 -----Original Message----- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Houston, Ronald Sent: December 8, 2011 10:53 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] EM fixative composition Trying to get a sense of how people are making up their glutaradelhyde for EM on clinical specimens. Is anyone buying it in premade, and if so from whom? What buffer system are you using? phosphate or cacodylate (or something else)? Are you checking the osmolality of the fixative before use? Thanks Ronnie Houston, MS HT(ASCP)QIHC Anatomic Pathology Manager ChildLab, a Division of Nationwide Children's Hospital www.childlab.com 700 Children's Drive Columbus, OH 43205 (P) 614-722-5450 (F) 614-722-2899 ronald.hous...@nationwidechildrens.org<mailto:ronald.hous...@nationwidechildrens.org> www.NationwideChildrens.org<http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/> "One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested." ~ E.M. Forster ----------------------------------------- Confidentiality Notice: The following mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. The recipient is responsible to maintain the confidentiality of this information and to use the information only for authorized purposes. If you are not the intended recipient (or authorized to receive information for the intended recipient), you are hereby notified that any review, use, disclosure, distribution, copying, printing, or action taken in reliance on the contents of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you. _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet This electronic communication is governed by the terms and conditions at http://www.mun.ca/cc/policies/electronic_communications_disclaimer_2011.php _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet