Abstract: Provided is a fixative composition comprising from at least 5 percent to 50 percent syrup, optionally honey, preferably, at least 10 syrup, and dextran and optionally coconut oil, optionally from at least 10 g/L to about 60 g/L of dextran, preferably about 50 g/L and/or from at least 0.5 percent to 15 percent coconut oil, preferably at least 1 percent coconut oil, methods of making the solution, methods of using the solution, for example methods for preserving a biological sample in said solution, and containers and kits comprising the solution.