[Nhcoll-l] Long-term Storage of Cleared and Stained Specimens

[Singer, Randal]

Sarah,

The best method I have found for long-term storage of C&S material would definitely be either 100% glycerin or 70% Glycerin/30% Ethanol mixtures with a few thymol crystals in each jar/tray.  I have not heard anything (in the literature or by word of mouth) to suggest thymol is harmful to the specimens in anyway. The only downside to using it is that it has a high residency time in aqueous environments. Make sure it NEVER goes down the sink, and that it is properly handled by your EH&S.

As for your older specimens placing them in increasing concentrations of glycerin over a few days should do the trick. You can even try a Glycerin/Ethanol mixture to facilitate the process.

Please feel free to email me personally for any other information,

Randy

[RAS Signature]

From: nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu [mailto:nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu] On Behalf Of Sarah K. Huber
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2014 10:53 AM
To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] Long-term Storage of Cleared and Stained Specimens


I am curious to hear what people think is the best long-term storage medium for cleared and stained specimens (in our case fishes). I have seen recommendations for glycerin in concentrations ranging from 100-70%, and dilutions with water, ethanol, or KOH. I have also seen arguments for and against the addition of thymol. However, since our collection has had mold outbreaks in the past, any long term storage medium we use must have some kind of additive to prevent molding.



In addition, I have come across some older cleared and stained specimens that were transferred to 70% ethanol at some point in the distant past. Is it recommended to keep these specimens in ethanol or to try and move them back into glycerin?



Thanks in advance,

Sarah

Sarah K. Huber, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor of Biology and Marine Science
Collection Manager, VIMS Ichthyology Collection
804.684.7104 | Collection 804.684.7285
skhuber at vims.edu<mailto:skhuber at vims.edu> | www.vims.edu<http://www.vims.edu>
PO Box 1346 | Rt. 1208 Greate Rd., Gloucester Pt., VA 23062

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