DO NOT use sodium hydroxide!  A drop of ammonium hydroxide OR use gentle
warm (not hot!) water rinse for a full minute in generally sufficient for
bluing sections.  We have used saturated lithium carbonate, let crystals
settle, decant solution off top, dip slides for 30 sec or so until blue,
rinse WELL for 1 full minute. The latter will not hydrolyze the sections
off the slides as will strong alkaline solutions (sodium hydroxide or even
too concentrated ammonium hydroxide).  

One can also makes Scotts tap water substitute in the laboratory.  
Gayle Callis
MT,HT,HTL(ASCP)
Research Histopathology Supervisor
Veterinary Molecular Biology - Marsh Lab
Montana State University - Bozeman
S. 19th and Lincoln St
Bozeman MT 59717-3610

406 994-6367 (lab with voice mail)
406 994-4303 (FAX)

email: gcallis@montana.edu