Formic acid method - basic question

[kmg47]

Hi all,

I am new to the antigen retrieval process and have a question about the logistics of formic acid treatment.  I made an 88% formic acid solution, but the formic acid remains soluble only when heated...so do I need to keep the slides warm during the incubation process to keep the formic acid liquified, or is it ok to let it solidify on the sections?  Or did I make the original solution incorrectly, and it really should be liquified at room temp?

Thanks for your help!

[CanuckPhD]

Formic acid should be a liquid at room temp. It is available as a 88% solution from Sigma and is not that expensive.

Just drop the formic acid onto your slides and then remove at the desired time into water. Caution: do this in a fume hood as the formic acid is caustic and can irritated your eyes.

Good luck