Celestine blue
(Lendrum, McFarlane 1940)Celestine blue is used along with an alum haematoxylin as a nuclear stain which is resistant to decolourisation by succeeding acid stains and solutions.
Preparation:
Celestine blue B - 0.5g
Ferric ammonium sulphate (iron alum) - 5g
Glycerin - 14ml
Distilled water - 100ml
Dissolve the iron alum in the distilled water without heat. Add the celestine blue and boil for 3 minutes. Filter when cool and add the glycerin. The stain should keep for at least 6 months.A typical celestine blue/haemalum sequence:
- Dewax sections, rinse in alcohol, rinse in water.
- Stain in celestine blue - 5 minutes.
- Rinse in water.
- Stain in Mayer's or Harris' haematoxylin - 5 minutes.
- Wash well in running tap water.
- Differentiation may, or may not be necessary depending on the method in use.