When we do the PTAH, we mordant in Zenker's which we buy from Newcomer
Supply. It does not contain mercury, instead I believe it is zinc. The
PTAH still works wonderfully.

Rae Ann Staskiewicz
Galesburg Animal Disease Lab
Galesburg, IL

Kimcatk@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Dear HistoNet Colleagues,
> 
>      I frequently perform Mallory’s PTAH stain.  All of the techniques
> I have found require mordanting in Zenker’s solution, which contains
> mercury.  Because of the hazards of mercury, I would like to find an
> alternative stain that will satisfy my pathologists’ needs, or find a
> suitable replacement for mercury-containing Zenker’s solution.
> 
>      I would greatly appreciate any ideas you might have.  Thank you all very
> much!
> 
> Best regards,
> Kim Atkin HT (ASCP)