Tissue Processing - Overview

Question 1

Histological specimens must well preserved.

1. How are samples fixed?
2. How large or small should samples be? Should they be thick or thin? How do you achieve the ideal state?
3. How can we differentiate parts of a sample?

Answer 1

1. fixation: usually 10% buffered formalin
2. be sufficiently thin → microtome → CUT sections 1 - 7 μm (micrometers) thick
3. Have contrast → staining of sections

Question 2

What do you use to dehydrate a sample?

Answer 2

Alcohol

Question 3

How do you clear a sample?

Answer 3

Xylene

Question 4

The paraffin-embedded tissue is sectioned with a ________.

Sections are ___ to ____ micrometers (μm) in thickness (usually ___ μm). This process is followed by ______.

Answer 4

microtome, 1 , 7, 5, staining

Question 5

After a sample is sectioned and put on slide, the tissue needs to be _______ in order to see the contrast, etc. Can be done ______ or with _______ _______.

Answer 5

stained, manually, automatic stainer