I know of no adequate substitute for glutaraldehyde as a fixtive for 
EM. I do know of substitutes that are much *more* hazardous, but none 
that are less troublesome.
For many high-resolution TEM and SEM procedures of cultured cells 
(therefore probably not applicable in clinical settings), glut can be 
used without formalin. I wouldn't want to try the vice-versa, though.

I don't see why the inspection agency or your pathologist would get 
their knickers in a knot over glut. Any self-respecting histology or 
microscopy facility has much worse chemicals on its shelves.

Phil

>>  From: 	Nocito, Joseph
>>  Sent: 	Friday, May 25, 2001 6:33 AM
>>  To: 	'Histonet'
>>  Subject: 	Gluteraldehyde
>>
>>  We are currently going through a JCAHO inspection (what a year, CAP, CLIA
>>  and now JCAHO, any one else out there?) Any way, the inspectors went
>>  through
>>  the roof when they saw that we have gluteraldehyde.  Now, the hospital
>>  Safety board is in an up roar.  Why is gluteraldehyde such a dirty word.
>>  I
>>  know the general hazards, but is there something new that I might have
>>  missed?  Also, my pathologist wants to know if there is a substitute
>>  fixative for electron microscopy.  Once again, I thank you for your help.
>>
>>  Joe Nocito, B.S., HT(ASCP)QIHC
>>  Histology Supervisor
>>  Christus Santa Rosa Hospitals
>>  San Antonio, Texas
>>
>>

-- 
}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{
Philip Oshel
Supervisor, AMFSC and BBPIC microscopy facilities
Department of Animal Sciences
University of Wisconsin
1675 Observatory Drive
Madison,  WI  53706 - 1284
voice: (608) 263-4162
fax: (608) 262-5157 (dept. fax)