Zenkers solution (GAA) is used to lyse erythrocytes and fix nuclei; it is good for fixing and decal needle biopsy specimens of bone marrow and dissolves iron. Which statement is true about Zenkers?

• A. Dissolves iron
• B. Preserves lipids
• C. Stains iron-containing hemoglobin
• D. Precipitates proteins

Answer: (A)

Zenkers solution is an acetic acid–based fixative that lyses red blood cells and fixes nuclei, making it useful for processing bone marrow needle biopsies and aiding decalcification. A key property of this fixative is that the acidic environment dissolves iron-containing pigments, such as hemosiderin, so iron is removed rather than preserved or stained. That’s why the statement about dissolving iron is true.

Lipids are not preserved by this fixative; lipid preservation generally requires other fixatives or post-fixation methods, so statements about preserving lipids don’t fit. It also does not stain iron-containing hemoglobin because the iron is dissolved, not highlighted by stain. And while fixatives modify or cross-link proteins to preserve structure, this preparation isn’t characterized by precipitating proteins, so that option isn’t correct either.