Sometimes even hitting with a hammer wouldn't produce a "phut".  Still it
was good fun trying! (A long, long time ago in a lab far far away)

Andy Shand

-----Original Message-----
From: adrianel@attbi.com [mailto:adrianel@attbi.com]
Sent: 08 August 2002 03:34
To: Merkey Marjorie
Cc: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: Re: Masson's Trichrome (heating of Bouin's fixative in
microwave)


Marjorie:
Fear not the dreaded picric acid in Bouin's.  The ONLY 
way it will explode on you is if you first overboil it, 
getting it splattered over the inside of the microwave, 
THEN, let it dry thoroughly, THEN, hit a sizeable spot 
of the dried residue with a fairly large hammer.  You 
will get more of a "Phut" than a "Bang", if anything 
happens at all.
Adrian Leek.
> Good Afternoon:
> We are aware that some procedures offer quick mordanting/time savings by
> heating Bouin's in the microwave and are seeking more information from
labs
> who have been doing this routinely. We are concerned about the picric acid
> explosions hazard. If you heat Bouin's in the microwave, we would like to
> know the safe temperature range, possible time/power setting, and the
amount
> of time sections should sit in heated Bouin's for mordanting before
> continuing with the stain.
> Thanks 
>   
> Marjorie Merkey
> Clinical Support Manager
> HCA Richmond Hospital Laboratories
> office: 804-327-4075   pager: 759-6942
> marjorie.merkey@hcahealthcare.com
> 
>