Stains, Special Fixatives & Decalcifiers
Hematoxylin and eosin, special stains, neutral buffered formalin, specialty fixatives and acid or EDTA decalcifying solutions, filled under our label or yours.
Stains, special fixatives & decalcifying solutions
Beyond solvents, RightPath Medical Diagnostics fills histology stains (including hematoxylin and eosin), 10% neutral buffered formalin and specialty fixatives, and acid- and EDTA-based decalcifying solutions, under our label or yours, lot-coded and dated.
Stains
Routine and special stain reagents for the staining line.
- Hematoxylin (progressive & regressive)
- Eosin and counterstains
- Bluing and differentiating reagents
- Special stain reagents on request
Special fixatives
Preserve tissue morphology from collection onward.
- 10% neutral buffered formalin
- Alcohol-based fixatives
- Specialty and custom fixatives
- Prefilled and bulk formats
Decalcifying solutions
Prepare bone and calcified tissue for sectioning.
- Rapid acid-based decalcifiers
- Gentle EDTA-based decalcifiers
- Matched to downstream IHC / molecular needs
- Bottles through bulk
Choosing a decalcifier
| Type | Speed | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strong acid (e.g., HCl-based) | Fastest | Urgent routine bone | Can affect staining quality and antigenicity if overexposed |
| Weak acid (e.g., formic-based) | Moderate | Routine bone and bone marrow | Slower than strong acid |
| Chelating (EDTA-based) | Slow | IHC, molecular and research specimens | Can take days to weeks |
Stains, fixatives & decal FAQ
What is the difference between a fixative and a decalcifier?
A fixative (for example, 10% neutral buffered formalin) preserves tissue structure right after collection. A decalcifier removes calcium from bone or calcified tissue after fixation so it can be sectioned on a microtome.
What is neutral buffered formalin?
10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) is a formaldehyde solution buffered to neutral pH. It is the most widely used routine fixative in histopathology.
Acid vs. EDTA decalcifying solution: which should I use?
Acid-based decalcifiers (such as formic or hydrochloric acid formulations) work quickly and suit routine bone. EDTA-based decalcifiers work slowly and gently and are preferred when downstream IHC or molecular testing matters.
What is H&E staining?
Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) is the standard routine stain in histology. Hematoxylin stains nuclei blue-purple and eosin stains cytoplasm and connective tissue pink.
Can stains and fixatives be private labeled?
Yes. Stains, fixatives and decal solutions can all be filled under your brand through our private label program.
Do you make special or custom fixatives?
We fill specialty fixatives in addition to NBF. Send the formulation or the product you currently use and we will quote it.
Need a stain, fixative or decal quote?
Send the product you use today, the size and your volume, and we will match it.