10% Neutral buffered formalin (NBF) is the most commonly used fixative throughout the world for light microscopy and is a somewhat forgiving fixative. TriStains 10% NBF is well suited for large throughput laboratories, and requires a relatively short period of fixation, but can also be used for the long-term storage of tissue.

Once properly fixed, the tissue should be able to withstand the subsequent stages of tissue processing or staining.