I am taking gonad samples of fishes for histology to look at maturation stages. I couldn't find definite information if expired formalin can be used to make 10% buffered formalin or if it would still work as a fixative. Thanks for your input.
I have similar question. I have expired formalin - neutral buffered 10% and I need to fix zooplankton samples (exp. Jan 2019).
I would like to know if I can still use it or I should definitely make/buy a new one.
I know that after a while, buffered formalin produces Methanol that promotes clumping of proteins instead of the cross-linking of proteins that formaldehyde performs. But, does it really compromise the fixation of relative "big" organisms like zooplankton?