KAISERLING’s Fixative

Kaiserling Fixing Solution is a histological fixing solution developed to preserve and stabilize tissue specimens for microscopic examination. It was developed by the German pathologist Carl Kaiserling and consists of a mixture of formaldehyde, potassium nitrate and potassium acetate in water.

The Kaiserling Fixing Solution has the advantage of allowing good preservation of tissue morphology while maintaining the color of the specimen. This is particularly useful for the examination of tissue samples where color is important for diagnosis or assessment of pathology, such as in the examination of melanoma or pigment cells.

The solution penetrates quickly into the tissue and allows efficient preservation of cell structures, morphology and color. Fixation with Kaiserling fixative solution preserves the natural color of the tissue, while the formaldehyde component ensures good fixation of cell structures. Potassium nitrate and potassium acetate help stabilize and preserve color.

Although Kaiserling Fixing Solution is beneficial for preserving color, it may not be optimal for certain staining and immunohistochemistry applications because it can affect antigens and proteins. Therefore, it is important to select the appropriate fixative solution for the specific application and investigation desired.

When using Kaiserling Fixative Solution, it is important to select the correct contact time and ratios of components to achieve optimal tissue fixation and avoid potential artifacts or damage to the specimen.