Which fixative is used for trichrome staining and bone marrow specimens and lyses red blood cells?

Study for the CAMLPR Histology Practice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Zenker's fixative uses mercuric chloride and potassium dichromate to penetrate quickly and fix tissue while breaking down red blood cells. This lysis of erythrocytes is helpful for bone marrow specimens because it clears the red cells that can obscure hematopoietic cells, allowing nuclei and cellular details to stand out more clearly for review. For trichrome staining, this fixative preserves tissue architecture in a way that enhances the contrast produced by the trichrome dyes, giving distinct differentiation between collagen, muscle, and cytoplasm. Because of these combined effects—effective clearing of red cells and compatibility with trichrome chemistry—Zenker's fixative is a traditional choice when both trichrome staining quality and bone marrow morphology are priorities. Other fixatives can be used for staining, but they may either leave red cells present or alter tissue morphology in ways that interfere with the trichrome result or marrow assessment.