[Histonet] Pentachrome stain questions

[Colleen Forster]

Ok special stains guru's, I have a couple questions about reagents for the
Pentachrome stain.

Some protocols call for heated alkaline alcohol, some call for this
solution at room temp. and some protocols don't use this solution at all.

Can some please help me understand these 3 questions:

   1. What is the purpose of this solution?
   2. Is heat only to accelerate the process or necessary?
   3. How can other protocols not use it at all?

I have been reading papers, surfing the net trying to get a straight
understanding. Any help to shed light would be greatly appreciated~
-- 
Colleen Forster HT(ASCP)QIHC
BLS Histology and IHC Laboratory
Jackson Hall, Room 2-155
321 Church St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-626-1930