what are some components of the embedding station
- paraffin reservoir
- hot surface
- cold surface
- paraffin dispensing
- room should be well lit and venetilated
the purpose of embedding is to
provide external support for the tissues
what are some important notes about the embedding medium
paraffin wax or other resin should ideally match the processing infiltration step
- enables long term storage
- inert: won’t effect staining or damage the tissue
microtomy is easier when
tissues are angles and centred
routine embedding
- cut side down
what is important about tubular tissues
must show the lumen
tissues with layers
must see the layers
dye markings
need to be visible
multiple pieces
must be organized
errors in embedding can result from
improper embedding
tissue falling out during microtomy
incorrect orientation
becoming too thin to cut
how are errors corrected
by re embedding the block
failure to notice errors can result in
permanent tissue loss
how to re embed a tissue sample
- place block in appropriately sized mold
-gently melting all wax to liquid form - obtaining new mold
- embed tissue as normal
