[Histonet] silver stains

[william hewett]

Hi All,
           I was looking for a replacement for chromium trioxide as the oxidizing step in the Grocott's methanamine silver.Placing the slides in periodic acid (5% aq.)heated for 20seconds on medium power in a microwave was an effective alternative. Microwaving the silver solution also saved time and produced less background.Does anyone use a safe microwave method for GMS stains.
                                                Bill Hewett
                                                QHPS  Lab.
                                                Townsville Aust.