Pat,

Sterile IV water is distilled and filter-sterilized and is fine for special 
stains. The problem with tap water is the unknown levels of metals, minerals 
and other contaminants which may affect the chemical reactions in staining.


Tim Morken, B.A., EMT(MSA), HTL(ASCP)
Infectious Disease Pathology
Centers for Disease Control
MS-G32
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA

email: tim9@cdc.gov
       timcdc@hotmail.com

Phone: (404) 639-3964
FAX:  (404)639-3043



----Original Message Follows----
From: "Betchley, Patricia" <Patricia.Betchley@59MDW.WHMC.AF.MIL>
To: "Histonet (E-mail)" <Histonet@pathology.swmed.edu>
Subject: Specials
Date: Thu, 5 Aug 1999 06:58:30 -0500

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

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