Diaphonized Specimen Care Sheet
Diaphonized Specimen Care Sheet
How to care for a diaphonized specimen:
- Handling: Handle the specimen with care to avoid causing damage to delicate tissues or structures. Use gloves to protect both yourself and the specimen from contamination.
- Storing Specimens: Store the wet specimen in a container filled with glycerin. The container should be made of non-reactive material such as glass or plastic, and the solution should cover the specimen completely to prevent dehydration or deterioration. Cork topped containers will cause evaporation more quickly due to the porosity of the cork, but there is nothing wrong with using these for a jar choice if you are careful with maintenance for them. There is a chance for evaporation in almost any jar choice you make, diaphonized specimens require regular maintenance to keep in a collection and should be regularly taken care of.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the specimen for any signs of fluid evaporation or discoloration in the liquid/specimen itself.
- Maintenance: You should not have to worry about replacing the glycerin in diaphonized specimens as much as you would traditional wet specimens, unless the stain leaches out over time (which will discolor the glycerin). Simply pour out the old glycerin into a sink with running water and replace with fresh glycerin. Glycerin can be found at most drug/grocery stores, the most common is vegetable glycerin. If the jar breaks, put gloves on and place your specimen into a zip lock bag until you’re able to find another jar to store your specimen in with fresh glycerin.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Store diaphonized specimens away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as exposure to UV radiation and high temperatures can accelerate tissue degradation.
- Proper Labeling (Optional): Ensure that the container is properly labeled with relevant information such as the specimen's species, date of preservation, and any additional notes or precautions. For my own collection, I keep a disposable tag with the fluid expiration date and date of last service when I change out fluids.
- Professional Consultation: If you are unsure about caring for a particular specimen or encounter any issues, seek advice from a professional in the field of specimen preservation. I am always reachable through social media or emails for any questions regarding specimens purchased from me, but I will try my best to advise on others’ work if they are unreachable as well.
By following these guidelines and regularly monitoring the condition of the diaphonized specimen, you can ensure that it remains well-preserved and maintains its aesthetic and scientific value for years to come.