AbstractA modified rapid method for preparing hematoxylin is described. The technique is based on avoidance of the heavy metals generally used in ripening procedures or other toxic and environmentally hazardous compounds. This formula results in a ready to use, high quality product that keeps well indefinitely. It can be used in almost every situation requiring hematoxylin staining, is equally good for staining plastic and paraffin embedded material as well as fresh frozen cryostat tissue sections, and can be used for cytological staining procedures. (The J Histotechnol16:371, 1993)