Yes, add Shiff reagent and if it turns violet-purple, it contains an aldehyde, most likely. formalin in your case.
René J.

--- On Fri, 11/7/08, Smith Wanda  wrote:

From: Smith Wanda 
Subject: [Histonet] Is it Formalin-Without Smelling It?
To: "histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu" 
Date: Friday, November 7, 2008, 1:30 PM

Happy Friday Everyone!!!!!
Silly question:  Is there an easy way to tell if a solution in a container
is/is not formalin without smelling it?????
Thanks,
Wanda

WANDA G. SMITH, HTL(ASCP)HT
Pathology Supervisor
TRIDENT MEDICAL CENTER
9330 Medical Plaza Drive
Charleston, SC  29406
843-847-4586
843-847-4296 fax


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