Bouin solution is a good fixative for tissue to be stained with the Fuelgen reaction.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It is the best fixative for all DNA stains
• D. It is used for stains on frozen sections

Answer: (B)

The Feulgen reaction is specific for DNA and relies on preserving DNA integrity while allowing controlled acid hydrolysis to reveal aldehyde groups that react with Schiff reagent. Bouin's solution contains picric acid and acetic acid, which can alter or extract nucleic acids and leave residues that interfere with the Schiff reaction, leading inconsistent or weak DNA staining. Because of these interactions, Bouin's is not considered a good fixative for tissues to be stained with the Feulgen reaction, unlike fixatives such as Carnoy's or suitable alcohol-based methods. It is also not typically used for frozen sections.