Antigen Retrieval

Enzymatic Method

• Place dewaxed slides into ultrapure water at 37°C to warm them.
• Make up enzyme solution.
  • Warm another 100ml ultrapure water to 37°C
  • Add 0.1g CaCl
  • Add 0.1g alpha-chymotrypsin (type II)
  • Adjust pH to 7.8
  • Warm to 37°C
• Place warmed slides from ultrapure water into enzyme solution for 20 mins (no longer than 30min)
• Remove slides and put into cold running tap water to stop the reaction.
• Continue with immuno staining protocol.

Pressure Cooker Method

• Dissolve 5.88g Tri-Sodium Citrate, and 44ml 0.2M HCL in 1956ml ultrapure water.
• Adjust pH to 6 with 0.5% NaOH
• Place solution in pressure cooker and apply heat until boiling, do not secure the lid yet.
• Transfer the dewaxed slides to the pressure cooker and secure the lid.
• Cook at full pressure for 3mins (5mins max).
• Cool the slides.
• Continue the labelling protocol

Microwave Method

• Add 2.94g Tris-Sodium Citrate and 22ml 0.2M HCl to 978ml ultrapure water
• Adjust to pH 6 with NaOH
• Place de-waxed slides into microwavable dish and add solution.
• Heat at full power for 15mins (30mins max).
• Remove slides and allow to cool.
• Continue with labelling procedure.