Mayer’s Hematoxylin Solution is a commonly employed nuclear counterstain hematoxylin formulation for both progressive and regressive H&E, immunohistochemistry and cytology staining procedures.
The composition of Mayer’s Hematoxylin Solution is as below:
- Aluminum potassium sulfate dodecahydrate (Alum) – 50g/L
- Hematoxylin – 1g/L
- Sodium iodate – 0.2g/L
- Acetic acid – 20mL/L
This formulation is developed as an alcohol- and mercury-free solution, for its convenient incorporation as an effective IHC counterstain when used in presence of the AEC substrate.
The working principle of this water-based hematoxylin counterstain involves nuclear staining followed by a differentiator assisted bluing.
The results are crisp and clear nuclear staining with little no background noise.
The progressive staining nature of Mayer’s hematoxylin stain decreases the possibility of overstaining, which eliminates the requirement for an acid alcohol differentiation step.
When incorporated in routine anatomic research applications, such as hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining protocol, it is responsible for staining the nuclei (blue) while eosin stains the cytosolic fractions (pink or red).
Product Features:
1. Less likelihood of overstaining the samples with product
2. No requirement for an acid alcohol differentiation step
3. Does not stain mucins
4. Recommended for less intense staining results
5. Efficient counterstain in immuno-peroxidase and other special staining procedures
