[Nhcoll-l] Ethanol concentration for tissue samples

[Paul R Sweet]

When you add tissue to ethanol it is immediately diluted by the water in the tissue so achieving 100% is not possible. In my opinion 95 % should be fine. One method I have used us to pour off the diluted ethanol from the sample then refill with fresh to bring up the concentration.

Paul Sweet | Department of Ornithology | American Museum of Natural History | Central Park West @ 79th St | NY 10023<x-apple-data-detectors://1> | Tel 212 769 5780<tel:212%20769%205780> | Mob 718 757 5941<tel:718%20757%205941>

On Jan 27, 2016, at 12:34 PM, Sarah K. Huber <skhuber at vims.edu<mailto:skhuber at vims.edu>> wrote:


I recently had a graduate student request 100% absolute ethanol to use for preserving tissue samples (fish muscle and/or fins). We routinely use 95% ethanol (and all tissue samples are then stored in a -80 freezer); however, the student is adamant that 100% is the only preservative that is acceptable for tissue preservation. Does anyone have an opinion on 95% versus 100% ethanol for tissue preservation? There is a very steep price difference between the two fluids, and my understanding is that 95% ethanol preserves tissues just as well as 100%.



Thanks,

Sarah

Sarah K. Huber, Ph.D.
Curatorial Associate, VIMS Nunnally Ichthyology Collection
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