We can offer three alternatives to Uranyl Acetate for territories where shipping of radioactive substances is prohibitive. These alternatives to Uranyl Acetate are non radioactive EM grade universal stains.
UA-Zero is a patented solution developed as a direct substitute for Uranyl Acetate. UA-Zero does not contain any radioactive material and is non-toxic. It can be used as a direct replacement for Uranyl Acetate with no changes to standard user protocols and delivers high contrast imaging.
AGR1260D is a mixture of lanthanum, samarium and gadolinium salts.
EM Stain 336 is a mixture of lanthanum salts, samarium triacetate (Sm(CH3COO)3) and gadolinium triacetate Gd(CH3COO)3). Both are reasonably soluble in water showing a neutral pH at room temperature. Whilst initial staining of sections may not quite equal that of uranyl salts, post staining with osmium tetroxide before embedding increases the stain density dramatically. Standard protocols for specimen fixation can be followed but best results will be attained if post fixation using 1% osmium tetroxide (OsO4) is undertaken before embedding and staining.
Dilute the original EM Stain 336 4 x with distilled water.
Place drops of the diluted stain on a dental wax sheet and invert the grids containing the sections onto the drops. Staining time is normally around 30 minutes at room temperature but can be shortened or extended according to section requirements. Grids should be washed preferably by running distilled water down between the tines of the handling tweezers otherwise grids should be dipped at least three times in fresh distilled water.
The chemicals and mixtures offered by Agar Scientific are labelled with the appropriate hazard symbols and risk and safety phrases in accordance with current UK regulations and EC directives. The absence of symbols or risk and safety phrases should not be taken to indicate that the product is non-hazardous, particularly since new data and legislation requirements are always under review. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) are available to download to assist in the safe handling and storage of products and the completion of any requirements under COSHH. Our web entries indicate the main hazards, providing guidance towards safe handling, storage and shipping.
Our products are intended for use only by qualified personnel in laboratory or industrial conditions. They are not intended for use by private individuals or in domestic environments.
LEAD TIMES: Average Lead Times are shown individually in days for any products not currently in stock. Whilst we are working closely with our suppliers to minimise the impact of global supply chain issues and regularly update our product prices and lead times, some are subject to change due to supply chain fluctuations.
Some or all of these products are classed as hazardous for shipping. Agar Scientific ship using accredited carriers licensed to carry hazardous goods. The shipping charges are automatically calculated at check out.
Import restrictions may apply to certain countries for these products, please check with your local customs office.
Further information can be found on the delivery and returns page.