Rat (Rattus Rorvegicus) Heart | Wet Specimen | 35mm Mini Glass Dome No Base

This rat heart is suspended in a 40% ethanol + 60% glycerine/thymol mix. 
Fixation:
Fixation is achieved using a 10% clear formalin; formalin creates a chemical crosslink between proteins within the tissue structure. This is called fixing, and it prevents decomposition from occurring if done correctly by injection of the internals and soaking for a prolonged period of time to allow each specimen to fully preserve.
 
Solution:
The specimen is then taken from the formalin and soaked in distilled water for approximately 24 hours. This removes the formalin that has fixed the tissue and leaves the tissue fixed as the formalin is no longer needed. The wet specimen is then transferred into a dome and suspended in a solution of ethanol, pure glycerine, and an antifungal agent known as thymol. Your specimen should last you a lifetime with the proper care. If cared for properly, this specimen will not need a solution change. There are certain environmental factors in your home or surrounding that may occur that may result in needing a solution change and this is okay and sometimes unavoidable. If this does occur dome solution can be replaced with 70-75% ethanol with no glycerine or 1/4 a cup of pure vegetable glycerine to 3/4 a cup of 99% ethanol. Mix well to homogenize and the solution is clear. 
Always wear gloves and a respirator when working with any chemicals to avoid irritation.