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.