BD Pharmingen™ IHC Zinc Fixative
(RUO)
Description
IHC Zinc Fixative is an alternative fixative to formalin fixation of tissue for paraffin embedded sections. 10% neutral buffered formalin fixes the tissue by cross-linking proteins that may cause a conformational change or "masking" of the antigenic epitope leading to reduced or absent antibody reactivity. Different antigen retrieval techniques are used to unmask the epitope (try the BD Retrievagen A and BD Retrievagen B solutions). However, many times it is not possible to retrieve the epitope and get optimal immunohistochemical staining. In these situations we recommend the fixation of the tissue with our IHC Zinc Fixative which falls in the category of a milder fixative compared to formalin. It was found that Zinc-fixed paraffin embedded sections showed very good immunostaining with many leukocytes markers and depicted tissue morphology comparable to formalin-fixation. Use of antigen retrieval techniques on the Zinc-fixed paraffin sections may further enhance the antibody reactivity in some cases. However, there are a few antigens that are not preserved by Zinc-fixation either and in these situations the use of fresh frozen tissue for immunohistochemical staining is the only alternative.
Preparation And Storage
Note: Investigators should be aware that in some cases where the IHC Zinc Fixative has been stored at below room temperature, a small amount of precipitate may be observed. Although the fixative will still work well, it is recommended to remove the precipitate, such as by filtration.
Recommended Assay Procedures
IHC Zinc Fixative is provided as a ready to use solution. For optimal immunohistochemical preservation of antigens, IHC Zinc Fixative is recommended prior to processing and embedded into paraffin blocks. Fix tissues by placing freshly dissected tissue pieces (no larger than 3 mm in thickness) in IHC Zinc Fixative and allowing to sit for 24 - 48 hours at room temperature. Tissues can then be processed according to a normal processing procedure with the exception of IHC Zinc Fixative in station #1 in place of 10% neutral buffered formalin. Tissues can then be embedded into a paraffin block for storage until microtome sectioning.
Product Notices
- Please refer to www.bdbiosciences.com/us/s/resources for technical protocols.
Development References (1)
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Beckstead JH. A simple technique for preservation of fixation-sensitive antigens in paraffin-embedded tissues. J Histochem Cytochem. 1994; 42(8):1127-1134. (Methodology: Immunohistochemistry). View Reference
Please refer to Support Documents for Quality Certificates
Global - Refer to manufacturer's instructions for use and related User Manuals and Technical data sheets before using this products as described
Comparisons, where applicable, are made against older BD Technology, manual methods or are general performance claims. Comparisons are not made against non-BD technologies, unless otherwise noted.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
