IRON HEMATOXYLIN STAIN: Procedure (Mercury-based Fixatives)

Note: In all staining procedures for fecal and gastrointestinal tract specimens, the term xylene will be used in the generic sense. Xylene substitutes are recommended for the safety of all personnel performing these procedures.

1. Prepare slide for staining as previously described (for SAF smears, proceed to step 4).

2. Place slide in 70% ethanol for 5 min.

3. Place slide in the iodine-70% ethanol (70% alcohol to which is added enough D'Antoni's iodine to obtain a strong tea color) solution for 2 to 5 min.