Modified Davidson’s Fixative, also known as Hartmann’s Fixative, is used for histological fixation where strong morphologic detail and reduced tissue shrinkage are important. It is a widely used alternative to Bouin’s Fixative for routine histopathological examination of testes and is also used for optimum fixation of eyes.
Modified Davidson’s Fixative can support excellent staining of acrosomes with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reagent when staging of spermatogenesis is required. It is also known for helping visualize lymph nodes in radical dissection specimens, including breast and colon specimens, by turning lymph nodes white.
Key Properties
- Modified Davidson’s Fixative / Hartmann’s Fixative for histology workflows
- Useful alternative to Bouin’s Fixative for selected tissue fixation applications
- Product Number: 24355
- Available sizes: 500 mL and 1 gal
- Formaldehyde concentration specification: 9.0-10.0% w/w
- Supports fixation of testes for routine histopathological examination
- Used routinely for optimum fixation of eyes
- Supports PAS staining of acrosomes when staging spermatogenesis
- Helps visualize lymph nodes in radical dissection specimens
- Storage: Room temperature / 20°C
Applications
Testes Fixation
Used to fix testes for routine histopathological examination, with reduced shrinkage and strong overall morphologic detail compared with Bouin’s Fixative.
Eye Fixation
Routinely used for optimum fixation of eyes in histology and pathology sample preparation workflows.
Spermatogenesis Staging
Supports PAS staining of acrosomes when staging of spermatogenesis is required.
Lymph Node Visualization
Useful for visualization of lymph nodes in radical dissection specimens, including breast and colon specimens, by turning lymph nodes white.
Histology Sample Preparation
Suitable for laboratories performing tissue fixation prior to processing, sectioning, staining, and microscopic examination.
Method & Compatibility Considerations
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Fixative type: Modified Davidson’s / Hartmann’s tissue fixative
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Primary use: Histological fixation of selected tissue types
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Formaldehyde content: 9.0-10.0% w/w by product specification
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Staining compatibility: Supports PAS staining of acrosomes for spermatogenesis staging workflows
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Performance factors: Fixation performance depends on tissue type, specimen thickness, fixation time, temperature, processing conditions, and downstream staining method
Fixation protocols should be validated for the target tissue, staining workflow, and laboratory method before routine use.
Preparation Tips
- Use an appropriate fixative-to-tissue volume ratio to ensure complete specimen coverage.
- Trim specimens to a suitable thickness for consistent penetration and fixation.
- Follow validated laboratory protocols for fixation time, tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining.
- For PAS staining or spermatogenesis staging, confirm fixation conditions with the selected staining protocol.
- Document tissue type, specimen size, fixation time, temperature, processing schedule, and staining method for reproducible results.
Handling & Storage
- Use gloves, chemical goggles, and a chemical mask or hood when handling.
- Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, and eye contact.
- Store at room temperature / 20°C.
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use.
- Store away from incompatible materials, ignition sources, and unnecessary heat exposure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Modified Davidson’s Fixative used for?
Modified Davidson’s Fixative is used for histological fixation, especially for testes, eyes, and tissue specimens where morphologic detail and reduced shrinkage are important.
2. Is Modified Davidson’s Fixative the same as Hartmann’s Fixative?
Yes. This product is sold as Modified Davidson’s Fixative, also known as Hartmann’s Fixative.
3. How does Modified Davidson’s Fixative compare with Bouin’s Fixative?
Modified Davidson’s Fixative is used as an alternative to Bouin’s Fixative and can produce less shrinkage and strong morphologic detail in selected tissue fixation workflows.
4. Can this fixative be used for PAS staining?
Yes. Modified Davidson’s Fixative can support PAS staining of acrosomes when staging of spermatogenesis is required.
5. How does this fixative help with lymph node visualization?
In breast and colon specimens, Modified Davidson’s Fixative can aid lymph node visualization by turning the lymph nodes white.
6. How should Modified Davidson’s Fixative be stored?
Store at room temperature / 20°C, keep the container tightly closed, and follow standard laboratory safety practices.
Safety & Documentation
Handle with gloves, chemical goggles, appropriate respiratory protection or a chemical hood, and standard laboratory practices. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), product specification, and Certificate of Analysis for handling, storage, safety, and lot-specific guidance.
