Overview

Sodium Citrate Antigen Retrieval Buffer, pH 6.0, 10x - Sodium Citrate Antigen Retrieval Buffer is the standard acid-pH heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) buffer for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections.

The 10x stock format gives histology and imaging laboratories 5 L of 1x working buffer from one bottle while keeping shipping and storage volume low.

Use and Applications

  • IHC antigen retrieval
  • Immunofluorescence antigen retrieval
  • Formalin-fixed tissue section processing
  • IHC/IF Imaging Suite companion with Tris-EDTA retrieval buffer and antifade mountant

Specifications

ItemSpecification
Bottle500 mL 10x stock, makes 5 L working buffer
pHpH 6.0 after dilution
SurfactantTween 20 included
Sterility0.22 μm  Filtered for clarity and microbial control

Composition

ComponentAmount / concentrationFunction
Trisodium citrate dihydrate100 mM in 10x; CAS 6132-04-3Citrate buffer
Tween 200.05% in 10xWetting and retrieval consistency
HClq.s. to pH 6.0pH adjustment
Ultrapure waterq.s. to final volumeSolvent

Instruction

1Dilute 1 volume of 10x stock with 9 volumes of ultrapure water.
2Heat slides in diluted buffer according to the tissue and antibody protocol.
3Allow controlled cooling before proceeding to blocking and antibody incubation.
4Discard used retrieval buffer after tissue processing.

Note

  • Citrate pH 6.0 and Tris-EDTA pH 9.0 retrieval conditions are complementary; antibody datasheets often specify which is preferred.

Cautions

Caution. Use heat-resistant staining vessels and follow microwave, pressure-cooker, or water-bath safety procedures.
Caution. Do not mix concentrated retrieval buffer directly with tissue sections.

Storage and Expiry · Safety

  • Store at room temperature or 2-8 deg C.
  • Unopened shelf life target: 24 months after validation.
  • Transport. Ships at ambient temperature; no cold chain required. Protect from freezing and from temperatures above 40 deg C.
  • Handling and PPE. Wear a laboratory coat, nitrile gloves, and safety glasses for routine handling. During heat-mediated antigen retrieval the buffer reaches near-boiling temperature; use heat-resistant vessels, insulated gloves, and a face shield to prevent scald/steam burns. Consult the Safety Data Sheet before use.

References

  1. Safety Data Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When should citrate pH 6.0 be used?
Use it when the antibody or tissue protocol specifies acid-pH HIER, or when empirical optimisation shows stronger signal and lower background than alkaline retrieval.
Q2. Can it be paired with fluorescence workflows?
Yes. It is suitable for IF as well as chromogenic IHC when validated for the antibody.