Rande,
I think in some parts of the country you could do very good stains using
mainly tap water. However, tap water varies so much in both hardness and
types of minerals present around the world that I wouldn't recommend this
since what works for me just might not work for you using tap water.

John Tarpley 15-2-B
Specialist Image Analysis & Immunohistochemistry
Amgen Inc
One Amgen Center Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA  91320

Views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer


> ----------
> From: 	rkline@emindustries.com[SMTP:rkline@emindustries.com]
> Sent: 	Thursday, August 05, 1999 11:18 AM
> To: 	Betchley, Patricia
> Cc: 	Histonet (E-mail)
> Subject: 	Re: Specials
> 
> I know I'm going to get my hands slapped on this one BUT
> 
> I used running, luke warm tap water alot for staining and produced very
> pretty, well-defined stained slides. Stains such as Giemsa and Silver
> stains do require distilled or DI water because tap water has too many
> variables such as inconsistent pH and metals, and/or whatever is in it at
> the time.
> 
> Distilled water can be purchased from the supermarket.  It's used for
> irons
> as in ironing (something I don't like to do)
> 
> Rande
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> "Betchley, Patricia" <Patricia.Betchley@59MDW.WHMC.AF.MIL> on 08/05/99
> 07:58:30 AM
> 
> To:   "Histonet (E-mail)" <Histonet@pathology.swmed.edu>
> cc:
> Subject:  Specials
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Hello All, This may be a dumb question, but I work in a small lab in a
> clinic. I just ordered some special stains in kits. My question I do not
> have distilled water at hand..Can I use sterile water to rinse in it's
> place? Please forgive me if this is a dumb question. Thanks.
> 
> Pat Betchley LVN, HT(A.S.C.P.)
> WHMC Lackland, AFB
> 
> view my HomePage at:
> http://www.dogware.net
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>