Acid Alcohol (Hydrochloric Alcohol (3%/70%)) is a specially formulated solution used for various applications in histology and in vitro diagnostics. It is composed of ethanol, water, and hydrochloric acid. One of its main uses is hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. In this case, the solution acts as a differentiating agent that selectively removes excess hematoxylin from the tissue. This process leaves only the cell nuclei in a distinctive shade of purple.
Discover the significance of hydrochloric acid alcohol (3% / 70%) in histology. Learn how it enhances hematoxylin and eosin staining by differentiating tissue sections and improving diagnostic clarity.
Uses of Acid Alcohol 3%:
Here’s the list of uses for Acid Alcohol (3% Hydrochloric Acid in 70% Ethanol):
- Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) Staining: Differentiates tissue sections by removing excess hematoxylin, enhancing contrast between cell nuclei and surrounding tissues.
- Histological Differentiation: Removes excess dyes to improve clarity and detail in stained tissue sections.
- Cytological Staining: Enhances staining quality by decolorizing excess dyes, providing clearer visualization of cellular structures.
- Preparation for Microscopy: Ensures precise staining and well-defined cellular details for microscopic examination.
- Diagnostic Histology: Aids in accurate assessment and diagnosis by providing distinct staining patterns in tissue samples.
Composition of Acid Alcohol 3%:
Here’s the composition of Acid Alcohol (3%) To make 1 litre Solution:
| Component | Concentration |
|---|---|
| Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) (Concentrated) | 30 ml (3%of total Volume) |
| Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) or Methanol (CH₃OH) (Absolute) | 680 ml (68% of total Volume) |
| Water (H₂O) | 290 ml (29% of total Volume) |
Preparation of Acid Alcohol 3%:
- Measure the Ethanol or Methanol: Transfer 680 ml of ethanol or methanol to a 1-liter capacity leak-proof container.
Caution: Ethanol and methanol are highly flammable. Use in a well-ventilated area, away from open flames. - Add Water: Measure 290 ml of distilled water, add it to the alcohol, and mix thoroughly.
- Add Hydrochloric Acid:Measure 30 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid, add it to the solution, and mix well.
Caution: Concentrated hydrochloric acid is corrosive and produces harmful vapors. Handle it with care in a well-ventilated area. - Label and Store: Label the container with “Flammable” and store it at room temperature in a safe place.
Note: The reagent is stable indefinitely.
Usage: Transfer a small amount of the reagent to a dispensing container that can be closed when not in use.
Precautions:
Here are the precautions for handling and preparing Acid Alcohol (3%):
- Flammability: Ethanol and methanol are highly flammable. Avoid using near open flames or sources of ignition.
- Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes from ethanol, methanol, and hydrochloric acid.
- Handling Hydrochloric Acid: Concentrated hydrochloric acid is corrosive and emits harmful vapors. Use gloves and safety goggles, and handle it carefully. Ensure proper ventilation during use.
- Storage: Store the prepared solution in a labeled, leak-proof container away from heat sources and open flames. Keep it at room temperature in a safe place.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and safety goggles, when handling chemicals.
- Spill and Accident Response: Have spill containment materials and neutralizing agents available. In case of spills, follow safety protocols and clean up immediately.
Uses of Acid Alcohol 3% in Clinical Laboratories:
Here’s a list of the uses of Acid Alcohol (3%) in clinical laboratories:
- Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) Staining: Differentiates tissue sections by removing excess hematoxylin, enhancing contrast between cell nuclei and surrounding tissues.
- Histological Differentiation: Improves clarity of stained tissue sections by selectively decolorizing excess dyes.
- Cytological Staining: Enhances the quality of cytological stains by removing excess dyes for clearer visualization of cellular structures.
- Microscopic Preparation: Prepares tissue samples for microscopic examination by ensuring precise staining and defined cellular details.
- Diagnostic Histology: Provides well-defined staining patterns that aid in the accurate assessment and diagnosis of tissue samples.
