Category: IHC Ancillaries

Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS) is an organic compound commonly used as a component of buffer solutions. TRIS-buffered saline (TBS) has many applications because it is isotonic and non-toxic. It is used as a diluent and wash buffer in ELISA, Western blotting and general immunoassay procedures. In IHC it is used to reduce strong background staining or when using alkaline phosphatase conjugated antibodies. TBS is often used in dilution of secondary antibodies or streptavidinAP conjugates. Additives such as Tween20 allow additional functions.

TRIS-HCl buffer is used for certain cases of IHC staining and for the preparation of TBS buffer.

This buffer is used as a dilution fluid, for rinsing and for wash baths in immunohistochemical and histochemical staining techniques.