Histology Fixatives

Fixatives arrest autolysis and putrefaction the moment tissue leaves the body, locking proteins in place so that morphology survives processing, sectioning and staining. Cross-linking fixatives such as formaldehyde form methylene bridges between amino groups; coagulant fixatives including picric acid, mercuric salts and alcohols precipitate proteins instead. Molychem supplies Bouin's fluid, the classic picric-formalin-acetic compound fixative, in 100 ml and 500 ml.