Microwave Standard Protocol

The following is a standard protocol for fixing, dehydrating, and infiltrating plant and animal samples.

• Note 1) Samples should be <3 mm on a side.
• Note 2) The MRA BP111RS oven requires no water load.
• Note 3) Power setting should be 45.
• If samples do not infiltrate well using this procedure, try the "Extended Mini" protocol.

step	time (min)	temp	Bath Temp
10% Formalin (4%PFA in buffer(	15	37	4
10% Formalin	15	37	4
10% Formalin	15	37	4
30% EtOH	10	67	RT
50% EtOH	10	67	RT
70% EtOH	10	67	RT
85% EtOH	10	67	RT
95% EtOH	10	67	RT
100% EtOH + eosin	10	67	RT
100% EtOH + eosin	10	67	RT
75% EtOH:25% Isop	10	77	RT
50% EtOH:50% Isop	10	77	RT
25% EtOH:75% Isop	10	77	RT
100% Isopropanol	10	77	RT
50% Isop:50% wax	10	77	60
100% paraffin wax	10	67	60
100% paraffin wax	30	67	60
100% paraffin wax	30	67	60
100% paraffin wax	30	67	60
100% paraffin wax	30	67	60
100% paraffin wax	30	67	60

S Ruzin, D. Schichnes

8/10/05