Potassium Permanganate Solution is the oxidizing agent in this technique. It is followed by an Oxalic Acid Solution to remove the excess permanganate. This step serves to enhance the subsequent staining of the reticular fibers. A sensitizing step using Ferric Ammonium Sulfate Solution impregnates the fibers, creating a metal-organic bond that is replaced by silver during subsequent treatment with Working Ammoniacal Silver Solution. To develop the visible silver, a Reducing Solution of dilute formaldehyde is used. The tissue structures that have been impregnated with the silver solution will now appear brown to black. Gold Chloride Solution is used to “tone” the sections, producing better contrast and clarity as the gold reacts and combines with the reduced silver. Unreduced silver is removed via treatment with Sodium Thiosulfate Solution. An optional nuclear fast red counterstain provides background staining as well as nuclear detail.

Nuclear Fast Red Dye

Nuclear Fast Red Solution