[Histonet] Retic staining

[deGuzman, Jose R]

Hi Charles,

Ammoniacal Silver is a tricky step, we've had a lot of repeat Bielschowsky stains in the past due to it. You don't need to go drop by drop, what's key is to gently stir the solution as you slowly add ammonium hydroxide until the precipitate is reincorporated back into the solution. I don't know if your protocol has a specific amount of ammonium hydroxide to add but we've found that sometimes it takes less and sometimes it takes more than what is recommended to clear. Make sure you stir and keep an eye on the solution to make sure you only add what is needed for the reaction.

Jose



-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-request at lists.utsouthwestern.edu <histonet-request at lists.utsouthwestern.edu> 
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2019 1:00 PM
To: histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Histonet Digest, Vol 185, Issue 14

I am having trouble getting my retic stain to come out strong. It is working but Pathologists are saying they shouldn't have to go to high power just to see it (and I agree).

I am using a brand new American MasterTech Chandler's Precision kit. I have followed all the steps correctly (one difficulty is getting the Ammonium hydroxide to go drop by drop so this may be the issue).

I have tried staining longer in ammoniacal silver. more time in 20% formalin,  more and less time in gold chloride and sodium thiosulfate.

If anyone has any suggestions or uses this kit with time modifications please let me know. Willing to try anything to get it working.


-- 

Charles Riley BS  HT, HTL(ASCP)CM

Histopathology Coordinator/ Mohs

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