I have worked in labs that use this on the processors, and am very sorry
that I cannot remember the formula. When I used this, we dissolved Cobalt
Chloride in absolute, then added about 100 mls to each container of 100% on
a VIP 300.  It turns the tissue a lovely blue color, which is easy to see
even after embedding.  Deb, it turns Agar a light blue, and the tissue in
the agar stands out as a darker blue within the agar.  Even the tiniest of
specks is visible within the agar.
On the old time Technicians, we used Drierite in the bottom of the of the
alcohol container, and after an upgrade to VIPs we switched to the solution
because of the danger of "sucking up" the Drierite.  (Please no comments on
age:->)
Two caveats:  Sakura does not recommend the use of chloride solutions, so be
extra vigilant about those hot water flushes.
And if you put too much cobalt chloride in the alcohol, it will turn
everything really dark blue, and you will lose all the benefits of using it.
(it seems like the stock solution was 3%, of which 100 mls went on the
processor, but I just can't be sure)
Wanda Shotsberger
Charleston, SC

 -----Original Message-----
From: 	Barry Rittman [mailto:brittman@mail.db.uth.tmc.edu]
Sent:	Thursday, January 03, 2002 1:10 PM
To:	histology
Subject:	Re: Cobalt Chloride

I may be wrong but I thought that cobalt chloride was the indicator
ingredient
in drying agents such as "Drierite" and silica gel, and that its change in
color from blue to pink indicated the presence of water.
I cannot see that it would be much use as a coloring agent for tissues.
Deb can you get some details from the individuals who suggested this and
please
let us know?
Thanks
Barry

Mark.Lewis@thermoshandon.com wrote:

> Deb,
>
> Be sure to call the manufacturer of the tissue processor and ask if adding
> cobalt chloride to the alcohol is permitted. Some chemicals may not be
> acceptable for use  on one processor while the same chemicals may be
> acceptable to use on a different processor.
>
> Mark
>
> MARK A. LEWIS
>
> Product Specialist
>
> Thermo Shandon
>
> 171 Industry Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15275
>
> Direct: (412) 747-4013
>
> Fax: (412) 788-1097
>
> e-mail: mark.lewis@thermoshandon.com
>
> This e-mail message and all attachments transmitted herewith are trade
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>
>                     "Van Eyck,
>                     Deb"                 To:
>                                          phci.org>            
>                                          cc:
>                     01/02/02             Subject:
>                     04:46 PM
>
>
>
> Hi all-
> Does any one have the formula/recipe for a cobalt chloride solution to
> color the final alcohol in the processor for small specimens or cell
> blocks??? I've been told that this solution works better than adding
eosin.
> Please give me the product number for cobalt chloride ordered and MSDS of
> final solution made in absolute alcohol. Also does anyone have any
> experience using this on cell blocks made with histogel????  This product
> makes an excellent cell block prep, but is very transparent and hard to
see
> when embedding and cutting. Any input would be appreciated.  Thanks!
>
> Deb Van Eyck, Pathology Team Leader
> Waukesha Memorial Hospital
> Waukesha, WI 53188
> 262 928-2112
> deb.vaneyck@phci.org