Phosphate buffer saline retrieval

For antigen retrieval, we have replaced the use of a microwave oven with a steamer that heats the sections to 95°C to 98°C. The slides are immersed in Coplin jars containing citrate buffer (pH 6, 0.01 mol/L) and heated in the steamer for 20 minutes. Afterward, slides are cooled at room temperature for 30 minutes, rinsed in double-distilled water, and then transferred to phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.4. 

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