MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL STAINING TECHNIQUES 



The fuchsin is decolorized by the ammonia and if 

 too much fuchsin is added, then a few more drops of 

 ammonia must be added so that the final product is 

 pale yellowish in colour. 



Technique: 



1. Immerse sections in the solution in a stoppered jar for five to 

 ten minutes. 



2. Transfer sections to watch glasses containing absolute 

 alcohol, for about five minutes, until the alcohol takes on a pink 

 coloration. 



3. Transfer sections to a fresh lot of alcohol and leave therein 

 for about five to ten minutes. 



4. Rinse and dehydrate in a fresh lot of absolute alcohol. 



5. Clear in clove oil. 



6. Mount in Canada balsam. 



Results: 



Lignified walls and cutin, intense red; remainder, colourless. 



BORAX CARMINE (Grenacher) 



For bulk staining prior to sectioning, and for small whole 



mounts 



Solutions required: 



A. Borax carmine, alcoholic (Grenacher). 



B. Alcohol 70% . , . . . . 100 ml. 

 Hydrochloric acid, concentrated 0-25 ml. 



Technique: 



1. Immerse material in the carmine solution from one hour to 

 four days, according to the bulk and nature of the material, until 

 sufficiently stained. 



2. Rinse with and immerse in acid alcohol (Solution B, above) 

 until clear. 



3. Wash with 70% alcohol. 



4. Dehydrate with 95% alcohol, followed by absolute. 



250 



