Laboratory Protocols

• Cryotomy
• Histological Staining Techniques
  • Index
• Histological fixatives
• Peroxidase-anti-peroxidase Technique
• Preparation of tissue section adhesives
• Processing tissues for light microscopy (basics) (PDF 1.1mb)
• Processing tissues for light microscopy (detailed)
• Sample collection guidelines
• Setting up the light microscope
• Specimen preparation for electron microscopy

Histological Staining Techniques

Fouchet for bile pigments
Fouchet, 1917.
Use a positive control section.

• Dewax sections, rinse in alcohol, rinse in water.
• Rinse in distilled water.
• Stain in Fouchet's reagent - 5 minutes.
• Rinse in distilled water.
• Counterstain with van Gieson's stain - 2 minutes.
• Rinse quickly in distilled water.
• Blot dry.
• Rinse quickly in alcohol.
• Clear and mount.

Results: 

Bile pigments - blue/green.
Collagen - red.
Muscle and cytoplasm - yellow.

Fouchet's reagent
25% trichloroacetic acid - 25mls
10% ferric chloride - 25mls
Mix and use immediately. (Must be made fresh.)

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