[Histonet] best of the nail procedures

[Cheryl]

The general idea is the extreme base breaks the links in keratin.  I tried all of Rene's variations and selected 20% KOH.
 
Well fixed nails (NBF)
Soak in 20% KOH for 30-60 minutes (checking at 10 minute intervals) until soft and pliable. (if you let it go to long it turns into mush)
Rinse well.
Process 
Embed
Cut and stain...PASF works beautifully.
 
 
May want to run a parallel on split specimens before switching entirely to acclimate. (identifying the end point without having bunches of your specimens turn to mush).
 
Cheryl