Description Paraformaldehyde has documented uses as a disinfectant, fungicide, fixation reagent and in the preparation of formaldehyde. In fluorescence studies, paraformaldehyde has been used as a formalin fixative to fix cells and tissues. Usage For Use in Electron Microscopy This is a fast acting fixative used in a number of transmission electron microscopy protocols and is most often used in conjunction with glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide, often times called Karnovsky's fixative. Reference: Kamovosky, J Cell Bio., 27, 137A (1965) When using a formalin as a fixative in electron microscopy, the formalin must not contain methanol. Most commercial formalin contains methanol to prevent the formaldehyde from polymerizing. In electron microscopy studies, a fresh formalin solution can be prepared as follows:
SPI Supplies offers complete ready-to-mix and use Karnovsky's Fixative Kits. We believe that many users of this fixative would find it far more convenient to purchase the needed chemicals in this easy to use economical kit than to worry about trying to maintain in fresh supply the individual components.