[Histonet] Neutralisation of 10% formalin using ammonia

[Mike Kirby]

Dear Histonetters.

The method of neutralising 10% formalin using concentrated ammonia solution has been well documented, and no doubt used by many Labs to dispose of their formalin waste.

My first question is, how does one verify that all the formalin has been neutralised?

One reference states that when the pH changes from 6 to 8, then sufficient ammonia has been added, and by implication, all the formalin should have been neutralised.

My second question is, would Schiffs Reagent be of any use as a double check in this methodology, because as we all know, it turns pink, even at very low concentrations of formalin, or would the final product, Hexamethylenetetramine, also react with Schiffs? Has anyone pursued this avenue?

Mr.M.Kirby
Johannesburg
South Africa.



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