Zenker's fixative

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Zenker's fixative is a rapid nuclear fixative used as a mordant in some staining procedures, containing corrosive mercuric chloride, potassium bichromate, sodium sulfate, glacial acetic acid, and water. The sodium sulfate is frequently omitted.

When glacial acetic acid has been replaced by formalin, it is called "formol-Zenker fixative". This fixative is named after German histologist, Konrad Zenker.

[edit] Usage

Zenker's fixative is employed to prepare specimens of animal or vegetable tissues for microscopial study.

[edit] Terms

Zenker's fluid or solution — a fixative solution of corrosive mercuric chloride 5, potassium bichromate 2.5, sodium sulfate 1, water 100.

[edit] See also

• Fixation (histology)
• Dorland's Medical Dictionary.