Prussian Blue or Perls’ reaction is used to demonstrate ferric iron and ferritin. This is not a true staining technique rather, it is a histochemical reaction. The protein is split off by the hydrochloric acid, allowing the potassium ferrocyanide to combine with the ferric iron. This forms the ferric ferrocyanide or Prussian Blue.
Fixation: 10% NBF or alcohol can be used. Sections should be cut at 4μ to 5μ or blood or bone marrow smears.
Kit contains: 250 ml of each: 4% Potassium Ferrocyanide, 4% Hydrochloric Acid, 1% Nuclear Fast Red
250 ml kit stains up to 125 slides