Jillian A. Russell, HT (ASCP)CM, QIHCCM, Supervisor, CDx Histology Operations, R&D at Dako in Carpinteria CA asks:
>>I am wondering how many labs are using B-5 fixatives and how many are using B-5 alternatives due to the mercury issue? - For those who have switched to an alternative, have you noticed many differences from the traditional B-5 fixative?<< This is a very controversial topic. B-5 fixative contains a large quantity of mercuric chloride, along with formaldehyde, and you really can't use it any more. I gave up B-5 and Zenker's fixatives very reluctantly. My personal opinion is that B-5 substitutes are no improvement on neutral buffered formalin, and may compromise immunostains (which often specify NBF fixation). Bob Richmond Samurai Pathologist Maryville TN _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
