Confocal Microscopy List

Re: aliquoting 4% formaldehyde

Posted by Marshak, David W on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/aliquoting-4-formaldehyde-tp7585663p7585666.html

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We make fresh formaldehyde from paraformaldehyde every time. “10%” neutral buffered formalin keeps well at room temperature, but it contains methanol.

David W. Marshak, Ph.D., Professor

Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy

McGovern Medical School, UTHealth

6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030

phone: 713-500-5617

From: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]> on behalf of "Cromey, Douglas W - (dcromey)" <[hidden email]>
Reply-To: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 9:34 AM
To: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Subject: aliquoting 4% formaldehyde

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I was talking with a student yesterday about their cells which did not look particularly good under the microscope. The discussion eventually came around to fixation. The student told me that he made up some 4% formaldehyde fixative and then froze back (20 deg C) aliquots for later use. This was something he had seem on an online research forum. In my fairly lengthy experience I have never heard of this being done and I am suspicious that this is NOT a good idea. Thoughts?

Doug

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Douglas W. Cromey, M.S. - Associate Scientific Investigator

Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona

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