Michel's Buffer

Holding Medium for Tissue Undergoing Immunofluorescent Studies

For preservation of skin biopsy specimens to be examined by direct immunofluorescent testing for demonstration of tissue-fixed immunoglobulins. Michel's Buffer (used for direct IF specimens) is a simple salt solution which does not kill many pathogens, therefore blood and tissue specimens sent for IF studies must be labeled as potential biohazards.

May also be used to transport specimens (such as renal biopsies and lymph nodes) for immunofluorescence studies. It is not a fixative and is not suitable for any other use (particularly, it is not suitable for transporting living cells for flow cytometry).

Specimens may be kept in Michel's Buffer at room temperature until they can be delivered to the reference laboratory. Transport medium specimens can be held at room temperature for five days in transport medium before processing. Specimens received in transport medium should be washed in three changes of washing  solution, 10 minutes each wash.



Not to be used for tissues used in Fluorescent In-situ Hybridization (FISH).
Store refrigerated (not frozen) until use.