Formal Ammonium Bromide
Formula
Material | Amount | |
---|---|---|
Strong formalin | 150 | mL |
Tap water | 850 | mL |
Ammonium bromide | 20 | g |
Make fresh.
Description
Usually referred to as F.A.B., this fixative is often recommended for central nervous tissue, i.e. brain and spinal cord. According to Kiernan, the pH is about 1.5 and it is probably that factor which makes it an effective fixative for tissues on which silver and gold impregnations are to be done to demonstrate the cells and processes of the CNS. It also permits the usual staining methods (H&E etc.).
Time
This fixative should be applied overnight at a minimum, but fixation is not complete until applied for a few days.
Aftertreatment
There is no special aftertreatment required.
Safety Note
Prior to handling any chemical, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for proper handling and safety precautions.
References
- Kiernan, J. A.,
Histological & Histochemical Methods, Ed. 3,
Butterworth, Heinemann, Oxford.