Which fixative is used for GI biopsies and connective tissue, preserves glycogen, but lyses red blood cells and is not recommended for electron microscopy?

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Bouin's fixative is a trio of picric acid in formalin with acetic acid. The picric acid component provides strong fixation that preserves connective tissue structure and mucopolysaccharides well, and it helps retain glycogen in tissues, which is why it’s used for GI biopsies and connective tissue specimens. The acidic, aggressive nature of the fixative causes red blood cells to lyse, so RBCs are not preserved in Bouin’s-fixed tissue. It’s not recommended for electron microscopy because the fixative can disrupt membranes and ultrastructure, and the picric acid can interfere with post-fixation processes essential for good EM imaging.