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1.01647

Sigma-Aldrich

Alcian blue solution

for microscopy

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About This Item

UNSPSC Code:
41116124
NACRES:
NA.41
Pricing and availability is not currently available.

Quality Level

400

form

liquid

IVD

for in vitro diagnostic use

technique(s)

microbe id | staining: suitable

pH

2.5 (25 °C in H2O)

density

1.006 g/cm3 at 20 °C

application(s)

clinical testing
diagnostic assay manufacturing
hematology
histology

storage temp.

15-25°C

General description

The Alcian blue solution, pH 2.5 - for microscopy, is a ready-to-use staining solution used for human-medical cell diagnosis and serves the histological investigation of sample material of human origin, for example histological sections of e. g. the intestine or stomach. The present ready-to-use Alcian blue solution, pH 2.5 can be used for the staining of acid mucopolysaccharides in histological tissue. Acidic mucosubstances are selectively stained in the tissue, after which the specimen is counterstained with nuclear fast red. An Acetic acid-Alcian blue solution is used for the staining, whereby carboxylated and sulfatic proteoglycans are selectively stained when a pH of 2.5 is applied. The differentiation between carboxyl and sulfate groups is only possible at pH 1. Counterstaining takes place with a nuclear fast red/aluminium sulfate solution (Cat. no.100121). The alcian blue staining method is frequently combined with the Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction. In combination with the PAS reaction, non-substituted polysaccharides, neutral mucopolysaccharides, muco- and glycoproteins and glycol- and phospholipids can be visualized in addition.
The 500 ml bottle is sufficient for 2000 - 3000 stainings.
As an IVD product and CE registered, it can be used hassle-free in diagnostics and laboratory accreditations. For more details, please see instructions for use (IFU). The IFU can be downloaded from this webpage.

Analysis Note

Suitability for microscopy: passes test
neutral mucopolysaccharides: purple
polysaccharides: purple
PAS negative acidic mucosubstances: light blue
Nuclei: blue

Storage Class Code

12 - Non Combustible Liquids

WGK

WGK 2

Flash Point(F)

Not applicable

Flash Point(C)

Not applicable

Certificates of Analysis (COA)

Search for Certificates of Analysis (COA) by entering the products Lot/Batch Number. Lot and Batch Numbers can be found on a product’s label following the words ‘Lot’ or ‘Batch’.

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Questions

1–2 of 2 Questions  

  1. What is the fluorescence emission spectra for Alcian blue? I want to use it, but I am afraid it will interfere with my readings.

    1 answer

    1. This product is not a fluorescent dye. Please see the link below to review the product datasheet:
      https://www.emdmillipore.com/product/Alcian-blue-solution-pH-2.5,MDA_CHEM-101647#anchor_UG

      Please see the link below to review a publication that may be helpful:
      https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016502702300016X?via%3Dihub

      Helpful?

  2. Hello,the reusability of the AlcianBlue solution(1.01647, pH2.5)Should I change the solution for each new set of slides? The manual states that the solution capacity is 2000-3000 stainings per 500 ml. Does it mean the solution can be used 2000 times? TKS

    1 answer

    1. he product datasheet notes a capacity of 2000 – 3000 stainings per 500mL bottle. This is an estimate based on the most efficient staining formats. The value is impacted by the number of slides per staining event. A typical Coplin jar has a capacity of approximately 12 slides, while some vessels or automated systems have a capacity of 50 or more. In either case, the stain may be used several times. Slides should be evaluated under a microscope for each batch of slides stained. When the slide quality drops off, the working solution should be discarded and replaced by fresh stock solution. If only a few slides are stained at one time, the total number of slides that can be stained will be lower than if the slides are batched in larger numbers. It is important to keep the working solution separated from the stock solution. Do not return the working solution to the stock bottle.

      Helpful?

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