Which fixative is used for PAS staining of blood smears?

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Multiple Choice

Which fixative is used for PAS staining of blood smears?

Explanation:
For PAS staining on blood smears, you want a fixative that preserves carbohydrates (like glycogen and mucopolysaccharides) without modifying them in a way that blocks the Schiff reaction. Methyl alcohol (methanol) fixes cells by coagulation and retains these carbohydrate-rich components, allowing the periodic acid to oxidize them and the Schiff reagent to produce the characteristic magenta color. In contrast, formalin or glutaraldehyde cross-link proteins and can alter carbohydrate residues, hindering the Schiff reaction, while ethanol can cause more extraction or distortion of cellular components. Hence methanol is the preferred fixative for PAS on blood smears.

For PAS staining on blood smears, you want a fixative that preserves carbohydrates (like glycogen and mucopolysaccharides) without modifying them in a way that blocks the Schiff reaction. Methyl alcohol (methanol) fixes cells by coagulation and retains these carbohydrate-rich components, allowing the periodic acid to oxidize them and the Schiff reagent to produce the characteristic magenta color. In contrast, formalin or glutaraldehyde cross-link proteins and can alter carbohydrate residues, hindering the Schiff reaction, while ethanol can cause more extraction or distortion of cellular components. Hence methanol is the preferred fixative for PAS on blood smears.

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