Karnovsky's fixative

Paraformaldehyde-Glutaraldehyde Karnovsky's FixativeKit contains:2 x 10ml 16% Paraformaldehyde Solution1 x 10ml 50% EM Grade Glutaraldehyde1 x 50ml Sodium Phosphate Buffer 0.2M, pH 7.2Lab Magnification Tutorial Technical DataMixture 1 (Original Karnovsky's Mixture)

Paraformaldehyde-Glutaraldehyde Karnovsky's Fixative

Kit contains:

  • 2 x 10ml 16% Paraformaldehyde Solution
  • 1 x 10ml 50% EM Grade Glutaraldehyde
  • 1 x 50ml Sodium Phosphate Buffer 0.2M, pH 7.2

Lab Magnification Tutorial 

Technical Data

Mixture 1 (Original Karnovsky's Mixture)

16% Paraformaldehyde Solution 20ml
50% Glutaraldehyde EM Grade 8ml
0.2M Sodium Phosphate Buffer 25ml
Distilled Water 25ml

Final mixture is 78 ml with 5% Glutaraldehyde, 4% Formaldehyde in 0.064M buffer. This mixture is extremely hypertonic, with an osmolarity of more than 2000m OSM.

Mixture 2:

A lower concentration of Glutaraldehyde and Formaldehyde especially used for vascular profusion.

16% Paraformaldehyde Solution 13ml
50% Glutaraldehyde EM Grade 5ml
0.2M Sodium Phosphate Buffer 50ml
Distilled Water 32ml

Final mixture is 2% Paraformaldehyde, 2.5% Glutaraldehyde and 0.1M Buffer. If necessary, the osmolarity can be adjusted by adding sucrose to NaCl. The pH may also need to be adjusted to your desirable point. This mixture is the most effective general fixative for both plant and animal specimens.

MSDS

Updated: 07-02-2025
Code Title Pack Size Availability Price Updated: 07-02-2025
EMS15720 Karnovsky's fixative Each 0 in stock (?) $77.00 AUD
EMS15730 Karnovsky's fixative Pack/5 0 in stock (?) $285.00 AUD