[Histonet] Ehrlich's Hematoxylin

[mtitford <@t> aol.com]

Candice Camille asks about Ehrlich's hematoxylin-

The sodium iodate to ripen the hematoxylin should be added last of all, after all the other ingredients, to ripen the stain. (So you will not see if it has dissolved, or not!).

Better to ripen the Ehrlich's hematoxylin naturally. Do not add sodium iodate. Instead place the bottle in a sunny windowsill and shake it up every day. Loosen the stopper and let the hematoxylin breath. It will take a few weeks to ripen (very un-20th Century!). You can use it when it changes color to dark red to maroon color. but when ripened it will last for ever such a long time provided it is not contaminated. It gives good regressive staining and will also stain mucins.

Michael Titford
Pathology USA
Mobile AL USA