Bouin's Fixative for IHC

First add the formalin to the saturated picric acid in a glass bottle. Next, add the glacial acetic acid to the mixture and tightly seal bottle with a nonmetal lid or cap. The solution can be mixed by gently and very carefully inverting the bottle two to three times.

Bouin's fixative solution should be stored in a dark, well-ventilated area at room temperature. It can be stored indefinitely if hydrated.

Bouin's fixative solution should always be made in a fume hood and handled with appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles, and lab coat). Aqueous picric acid must always be saturated with H₂O in a sealed nonmetal container and stored in a dark, flame-proof area. Picric acid and solutions containing picric acid should never come in long-term contact with metal as metal picrates pose a greater explosive risk than picric acid crystals. The hydration status of aqueous picric acid should be checked regularly and replenished to at least 30% H₂O by volume.