Methyl Green Counterstain

Methyl Green counterstain does take a little bit of optimization in some applications. We would suggest heating a volume of the counterstain (~300 ml) to 60 °C and add to a Coplin jar or similar glass staining rack, and submerse the slides. This approach facilitates a better uptake of stain into the section compared with placing the slide on a heated surface and placing drops of stain onto the section. Following the incubation time (~3-5 min), remove slides and wash in tap water. Omit the acetone, acetic acid rinse step described in the instructions and move the slides directly into 95% ethanol for the dehydration, clearing and mounting process. This methodology will retain more stain in the nuclei and hence produce greater intensity.