Charles,
!0% buffered formalin is a 10% solution made in water from 37% formaldehyde
and buffered usually with phosphate salts to pH 7.0, which is optimal pH for
fixation of tissues. So in reality the percentage of the formaldehyde in
this solution is 4%.
10% buffered formalin is still considered to be the best overall fixative,
particularly, if immunohistochemical procedures are required. Most other
fixatives are often used to demonstrate substances that are optimally fixed
with that fixative. Hope this helps.

Katri

Katri Tuomala
Dept. of Pathology
St Joseph's Health Care
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
----- Original Message -----
From: "Charles Read" 
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, January 07, 2003 5:58 PM
Subject: Help with a fixative


> Hi guys, can smbdy help me by telling me a good all purpose fixative?
Isn't
> Formalin a 37% solution of formaldehyde?  And what is 10% Buffered
formalin?
> Does that mean its a 10% solution of 37% formaldehyde?  All help is very
> appreciated!!!!!
>
>