[Histonet] isopropanol as dehydrating agent in microwave processing

[Steven Slap]

Hi HistoNetters

Pooja Chopra asks about the use of isopropanol in place of 100% ethanol as a
dehydrating agent in microwave processing.  In my experience, isopropanol is
more drying than ethanol.  For this reason it is essential (as always) that
the specimens be well-fixed prior to dehydration.  However, given proper
fixation, dehydration in a microwave can successfully be carried out using
ethanol alone, isopropanol alone or some combination alocohol (like reagent
alcohol, which, in addition to ethanol and isopropanol, also contains
methanol) alone, preferably in two changes.

That being said, Pooja Chopra mentions using a domestic microwave oven, and
I do not recommend the use of any flammable solvents in such a device for
safety reasons.

best regards,
Steven Slap

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Marketing Manager/Microwave Product Specialist
Hacker Instruments & Industries, Inc.
http://www.hackerinstruments.com
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