The structure of glutaraldehyde is affected by changes in pH and 
also in temperature.  It deteriorates rapidly at room temperature, in 
the presence of oxygen and at neutral or alkaline pH.   
Glutaraldehyde tends to polymerize when standing at room 
temperature - this tendency to polymerize reduces its efficiency as 
a crosslinking agent.

Hayat, M.A., Principles and Techniques of Electron Microscopy, 
Volume 1, Pgs. 65-81

Sue:  I hope the above helps. It is from the first reference book I 
pulled out.   I do a fair amount of EM, have always refrigerated 
glutaraldehyde.   

Jean Mitchell, BS, HT 
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Laboratory
Madison, WI

> I was wondering if you could give me your opinions regarding the
> refrigeration or non refrigeration of gluteraldehyde for em fixation.
> Do you have any good references on the subject?
> 
> Sue Tyler, HT (ASCP)
> Oxford Laboratory
> styler@dnr.state.md.us
> 
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