[Histonet] RE: EM fixative composition

[idimitro <@t> mun.ca]

Hi Ronnie,

For EM on clinical samples we use Karnovsky's fixative, which is a glutaraldehyde/paraformaldehyde solution in 0.1M cacodylate buffer. We prepare our own but you can buy it. 
We found it does the best job in preserving the cell organelles and membranes. We do not check the osmolality, but we check the pH and adjust accordingly to 7.4. Keep in the fridge.
I hope this helps.

Iliana Dimitrova, B. Tech, MSc, RT
Histology Supervisor
Room 2808
Medical Education and Laboratory Support Services (MELSS)
Faculty of Medicine
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, NL Canada A1B 3V6
Tel: 709.777.8389
Fax: 709.777.6746





-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Houston, Ronald
Sent: December 8, 2011 10:53 AM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] EM fixative composition

Trying to get a sense of how people are making up their glutaradelhyde for EM on clinical specimens.

Is anyone buying it in premade, and if so from whom?
What buffer system are you using? phosphate or cacodylate (or something else)?
Are you checking the osmolality of the fixative before use?

Thanks

Ronnie Houston, MS HT(ASCP)QIHC
Anatomic Pathology Manager
ChildLab, a Division of Nationwide Children's Hospital
www.childlab.com

700 Children's Drive
Columbus, OH 43205
(P) 614-722-5450
(F) 614-722-2899
ronald.houston <@t> nationwidechildrens.org<mailto:ronald.houston <@t> nationwidechildrens.org>
www.NationwideChildrens.org<http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/>

"One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested."
~ E.M. Forster



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