Tissue Storage Solution

For many "traditional" stains, the tissues may remain in the perfusion fix, for all other intended stains, please follow the instructions below. Contact NSA if you are uncertain.

 

Recommended time to remain in fix after perfusion (by stain type):

• For all antibody staining: 4 hours minimum; ~24 hours maximum
• For all disintegrative degeneration staining (Amino CuAg): 12-16 hours (keep in the skull)
• For all other staining: 4-16 hours
• For immersion fixation of unperfused tissue: 12-16 hours

Storage Buffers

Following fixation, tissue should be transferred to a storage buffer. To achieve optimal staining, the recommended guidelines of time to remain in fix and the type of buffer to which to be transferred depend on the stains that will be applied to the tissue.

Storage Buffer Type

• Cacodylate Storage Buffer is the preferred buffer for all stains and is REQUIRED for disintegrative

degeneration staining.
• Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) is acceptable for all stains except the disintegrative

degeneration stain.

 

Consult with NSA to confirm the appropriate buffer and fixation time for your study.

 

Sequence of Tissue Preparation Events with Links:

Fixation Method Fix Solutions Perfusion Instructions Fix Timing & Storage Buffers Shipping Tissue

 

Other Direct Links to Related Items:

Fixes:

• Na Cacodylate Paraformaldehyde fix solution

• Paraformaldehyde fix solution

• Technical Grade, Phosphate buffered formalin fix solution

Buffers:

• Na Cacodylate buffer solution

• Phosphate Buffered Saline

Procedures:

• Post perfusion spinal cord preparation

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