Formol sublimate fixation

Contributed by Martin Fitzpatrick, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

Fixation in formol sublimate

  • In a fume hood pour 100ml formalin (40% aqueous solution of formaldehyde) into a suitable container
  • Add 900ml saturated aqueous mercuric chloride
  • Submerge tissue and fix for 4-6 hours
  • Remove fixed tissue and transfer to 80% alcohol to store

This method is based, with permission, on an original protocol available here.