Clearing Reagents - EXAM 4

Xylene General Char.

Most common

Displaces alcohol

Miscible w/paraffin

Clearing determined by translucency of tissue

Intolerant to water: if water → cloudy

Xylene Chem char

Weakens or dissolves low density plastics and weakens gloves w/extended exposure

Recyclable, flammable, hazardous, need ventilation

Xylene Safety

Avoid skin contact, Neurotoxin (short effect), Prolonged exposure = organic solvent syndrome

Toluene General

Does not over-harden as much, higher tolerance for H2O contamination, 3xs more expensive

Benzene General

Fast acting. Does not harden as must as xylene but hardens more than toluene

Chloroform General Char.

Makes tissue less brittle than xylene.

Slow penetration = longer processing time

Readily absorbs atm moisture so needs closed containers

Desiccates CT as processing agent

Does NOT make tissue translucent

Limonene Reagents General

Xylene substitute.

Hardens less then xye

Causes MORE paraffin contamination so paraffin needs changed more

Limonene Reagents Chem char

Volatile oil in citrus peels, strong citrus odor, disposed as hazardous waste.

Cannot be recycled!

Aliphatic Hydrocarbons General

AKA Alkanes

Xye sub

Less aggressive than xylene.

Very gentle → NO overhardening

Not for automated coverslippers bc mounting medias not compatible

Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Chem char

Family is propane, butane, petroleum jelly and paraffin

Odorless

Penetrates quickly and removes fat effectively.

Intolerant of H2O and some mounting medias.

CAN be recycled.