Histonetters,

I was wondering if anyone uses a dye in their alcohols to distinguish them
from other solutions.  Is there a dye that can achieve this without
affecting tissue staining?

I have heard of laboratories using dyes to distinguish formalin from saline.
I have also heard of laboratories using Eosin in their alcohols to make
smaller tissues more visible at time of embedding.  However, if the Eosin
(or other dye) stains the processing container, it will not serve the
purpose that I am trying to achieve, that of being a visual double check
that 100% alcohol is in the correct position on the VIP tissue processor.

If anyone has a technique they would like to share, please include the dying
agent and amount used to achieve the desired results.

Thanks,

Rick Heggan
Merck Research Laboratories
Voice: 215-652-4531   FAX: 215-993-03