| Chemicals | Amount | Function |
| Aluminum potassium sulfate (alum) | 50 g | mordant |
| Distilled water | 1000 ml | solvent |
| Hematoxylin | 1 g | dye |
| Sodium iodate | 0.2 g | oxidizing agent |
| Glacial acetic acid | 20 ml | pH control |
Dissolve alum in distilled water. When alum is completely dissolved, add hematoxylin. When hematoxylin is completely dissolved, add sodium iodate and acetic acid. Bring to boil and cool. Filter if it is necessary.
Staining Characteristic
Progressive.
Suggested Use
Immunohistochemistry counterstain for 30 seconds.
H&E stain for 5 minutes.
Note
This recipe gives clear and sharp nucleus staining with little background. Good for both immunohistochemistry counterstain and H&E staining. This solution is also alcohol and mercury free so it is good for IHC counterstain when AEC substrate is used.