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
> 
>