Thanks to all for help and comments. I should have said this at the time,
but you know......
Our pathologist tried polarizing. We were trying 5% HCl as one of the acids
recommended in Sheehan. Then, I tried this method from Barry. Neither of
these worked.
The patient is from Iran and has an elevated Bartonella titer. No malaria
has been seen in any blood. We just don't have an explanation of the
pigment. The case has been sent to AFIP for their opinion.

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Barry Rittman [SMTP:brittman@mail.db.uth.tmc.edu]
> Sent:	Tuesday, July 17, 2001 2:21 PM
> To:	histology
> Subject:	Re: Help Quick!
> 
> Joyce
> Malarial pigment is
> soluble in dilute alkalis
> negative for lipid staining
> negative for iron staining
> negative for argentaffin
> Humason (5th edition p 226) describes this pigment as having the same
> properties
> as formalin pigment.
> Gridely method for removal
> bleach slides from water for 5 mins in
> 50 ml acetone
> 50 ml 3% hydrogen peroxide
> 1 ml. of 28-29% ammonia (concentrated)
> Barry
> 
> 
> "Weems, Joyce" wrote:
> 
> > I need to determine malarial pigment in a liver bx. What is the best
> method?
> > ASAP, please!
> > TIA, j
> >
> > Joyce Weems
> > Pathology Manager
> > Saint Joseph's Hospi