High quality perfusion solutions yield high quality results. Commercially available formaldehyde solutions are NOT fresh and usually have added ingredients to ‘stabilize’ the solution for long shelf life. This should be considered a “technical grade” perfusion fix solution. Such solutions should only be used for standard, routine, classical stains. However, even these stains may be optimized by having a freshly prepared perfusion solution using reagent grade components.

Recommended perfusion solution by stain:

• For all immunohistochemistry: Type 3 is preferred, and Type 2 is acceptable

  For Disintegrative Degeneration Staining: Type 3 is required

• For all other stains as well as TH, GFAP and immersion fixed tissue: Type 1 is acceptable, Type 2 is better, and Type 3 is the most preferred.

 

FOR BEST RESULTS WITH MOST STAINS, USE PERFUSION SOLUTION TYPE 3. CONSULT WITH NSA PRIOR TO PERFUSION TO DETERMINE THE MOST APPROPRIATE SOLUTIONS TO USE.

• Perfusion Solution Type #1: 'Technical Grade': Pre-made Phosphate buffered Formaldehyde

• Perfusion Solution Type #2:‘Reagent Grade’: Phosphate Buffered Paraformaldehyde

• Perfusion Solution Type #3:‘Superior Reagent Grade’: Na Cacodylate Based

 

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

 

return to top