Schaudin's Fluid
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Schaudin's fluid is a mercuric chloride fixative used in histological techniques, particularly for preserving trypanosomes, amoebas, and similar protozoa. The solution consists of a concentrated aqueous solution of mercuric chloride mixed with absolute alcohol, requiring specific processing to prevent deformation of specimens.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Schaudin's Fluid (Schaudinn) is one of the mercuric chloride fixatives with all their advantages and disadvantages (see Mercuric chloride, mercuric chloride in histological technique). Its composition is as follows: concentrated aqueous solution of mercuric chloride-2 parts, absolute alcohol-1 part. Fixation lasts from 12 hours to two days. Further processing, as with any mercuric chloride fixative, consists of washing, iodination, and then embedding in celloidin or paraffin. Schaudin's fluid is used for fixing trypanosomes, amoebas, and similar protozoa. The material must be fresh; in cases of staining amoebas, the fluid is heated. During further processing, it is necessary to gradually increase the concentration of alcohols to avoid deformation not only of the tissue, but, what is even more important, of the protozoa themselves.
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Cite this page
“Schaudin's Fluid.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/schaudins-fluid/