[Histonet] Xylene and Formalin substitutes

[Angela Hall]

Hey, 

The previous supervisor switched the Histo lab to CBG's Formula 83 with no problems as our xylene substitute.  In fact, we even distil it and use the distilled in both our staining and processor.  The only con is that it is not as effective in removing coverslips from slides.  Unfortunately, I'm not sure about cost effective but our lab tries to balance cost-effective with people-friendly.  The cyto lab uses Shandon's due to special requirements on their equipment with no problems.

"https://www.cbgtechnologies.com/hap-free-solvents.aspx"



Angela D. Hall, BA, HT(ASCP)CM
Histology Department
American Esoteric Laboratories
www.ael-east.com
________________________________
Tel +423 586 3240 ext 1019 or 1041 Fax +423 714 2001
 

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-----Original Message-----
From: Bharti Parihar [mailto:bhartologist at gmail.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 6:37 PM
To: histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Xylene and Formalin substitutes

Hello everyone. I'm interested in starting a conversation at my workplace regarding substitutes for xylene,  and if there are any substitutes for formalin. If anyone out there is using any can they please give me feedback regarding the following questions,

1. Name of substitutes?
2. Pros and Cons?
3. Any quality issues when performing H&E, IHC or Special Stains?
4. Is it cost effective?
5. Does it require different dehydrants other than alcohol?
6. If formalin is still used as fixative,  what xylene substitute works best with formalin?

I appreciate any feedback! Thanks!