What are the Common pH Ranges Used in Histological Procedures?
The optimal pH range can vary depending on the specific histological procedure. For example:
Fixation: Formalin (commonly used fixative) works best at a neutral pH of around 7.0. Staining: Different stains require different pH levels for optimal binding. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining typically uses a mildly acidic pH of around 4.5 to 5.5 for eosin. Embedding: Paraffin embedding usually does not require stringent pH control, but certain resins used for electron microscopy may require specific pH conditions.