How do I choose citrate, EDTA, and Tris-EDTA retrieval buffers?

Citrate buffer (pH 6.0) suits a small subset of antibodies with the gentlest retrieval—often cytoplasmic and membrane antigens with minimal morphology impact. EDTA buffer (pH 8.0) suits most antibodies tested manually, with stronger retrieval for some nuclear and membrane antigens. Tris-EDTA (pH 9.0) suits most antibodies on automated platforms, with the strongest retrieval for nuclear, difficult, or low-expression antigens.