Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following fixatives does not possess the property of becoming part of the tissue?
Which of the following fixatives does not possess the property of becoming part of the tissue?
Best results in fixation are obtained through what type of solutions?
Best results in fixation are obtained through what type of solutions?
Which of the following is added to osmium tetroxide fixatives for electron microscopy?
Which of the following is added to osmium tetroxide fixatives for electron microscopy?
The temperature utilized in Autotechnicon is?
The temperature utilized in Autotechnicon is?
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The following are not characteristics of a good fixative, except:
The following are not characteristics of a good fixative, except:
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For fixation of tissues with tuberculosis, formalin must be heated at what temperature?
For fixation of tissues with tuberculosis, formalin must be heated at what temperature?
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What is the maximum effective concentration of a fixative?
What is the maximum effective concentration of a fixative?
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What is the ideal number of hours for fixation?
What is the ideal number of hours for fixation?
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Formaldehyde is commonly used in routine fixation at a concentration of ________.
Formaldehyde is commonly used in routine fixation at a concentration of ________.
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Which of the following is a characteristic of a good fixative?
Which of the following is a characteristic of a good fixative?
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Which of these options are correct? (Select all that apply)
Which of these options are correct? (Select all that apply)
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Which fixative has the most stable effect in tissues?
Which fixative has the most stable effect in tissues?
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What is one advantage of using 10% Formol-Saline?
What is one advantage of using 10% Formol-Saline?
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Which method is the most ideal and reliable for decalcification?
Which method is the most ideal and reliable for decalcification?
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What is a disadvantage of using Formol Corrosive?
What is a disadvantage of using Formol Corrosive?
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10% Formol-Saline is excellent for preserving lipids.
10% Formol-Saline is excellent for preserving lipids.
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Chemical method is not recommended for routine purposes.
Chemical method is not recommended for routine purposes.
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How long should tissues typically be fixed in 10% Formol-Saline?
How long should tissues typically be fixed in 10% Formol-Saline?
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What is the purpose of adding 0.1% urea to nitric acid during decalcification?
What is the purpose of adding 0.1% urea to nitric acid during decalcification?
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The formula for Gendre’s fixative includes 95% ethyl alcohol saturated with _______.
The formula for Gendre’s fixative includes 95% ethyl alcohol saturated with _______.
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The decalcification time for Phloroglucin Nitric Acid is _____ hours.
The decalcification time for Phloroglucin Nitric Acid is _____ hours.
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Match the following fixatives with their primary use:
Match the following fixatives with their primary use:
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What is the recommended decalcification time for Perenyi’s fluid?
What is the recommended decalcification time for Perenyi’s fluid?
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What is the primary purpose of Helly's solution?
What is the primary purpose of Helly's solution?
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What should be used inside a fume hood during decalcification?
What should be used inside a fume hood during decalcification?
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Alcoholic formalin is ideal for preserving iron-containing pigments.
Alcoholic formalin is ideal for preserving iron-containing pigments.
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The precipitate formed during the Oxalate test indicates the presence of _____ in acid solutions.
The precipitate formed during the Oxalate test indicates the presence of _____ in acid solutions.
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Which fixative is recommended for renal tissues?
Which fixative is recommended for renal tissues?
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Which of the following is a commonly used dehydrating agent?
Which of the following is a commonly used dehydrating agent?
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What is the effect of transferring tissue directly from formalin to higher grades of alcohol?
What is the effect of transferring tissue directly from formalin to higher grades of alcohol?
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What should be done to remove black deposits caused by mercuric chloride?
What should be done to remove black deposits caused by mercuric chloride?
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The concentration of formaldehyde used in a fixative is approximately?
The concentration of formaldehyde used in a fixative is approximately?
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What is one common use for chromate fixatives?
What is one common use for chromate fixatives?
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What is the first and most critical step in histotechnology?
What is the first and most critical step in histotechnology?
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What is the purpose of decalcification?
What is the purpose of decalcification?
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What is the primary aim of fixation?
What is the primary aim of fixation?
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Dehydration involves adding fluid to tissues.
Dehydration involves adding fluid to tissues.
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Which of the following processes is NOT part of fresh tissue examination?
Which of the following processes is NOT part of fresh tissue examination?
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Which is the correct sequence of steps in processing preserved tissues?
Which is the correct sequence of steps in processing preserved tissues?
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Leaving a tissue specimen in air can cause it to ______.
Leaving a tissue specimen in air can cause it to ______.
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What happens to cells when they are placed in a hypotonic solution?
What happens to cells when they are placed in a hypotonic solution?
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Match the following post-mortem changes with their descriptions:
Match the following post-mortem changes with their descriptions:
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What is a disadvantage of using fresh tissue examination?
What is a disadvantage of using fresh tissue examination?
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What is the ideal size of tissue to be fixed?
What is the ideal size of tissue to be fixed?
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The two most commonly used fixatives for general use are __ and __.
The two most commonly used fixatives for general use are __ and __.
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Which of these is an excellent microanatomic fixative for the pituitary gland, bone marrow, and blood-containing organs? (Select all that apply)
Which of these is an excellent microanatomic fixative for the pituitary gland, bone marrow, and blood-containing organs? (Select all that apply)
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What is the chemical name for general picric acid fixatives?
What is the chemical name for general picric acid fixatives?
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Picric acid is highly explosive when dry.
Picric acid is highly explosive when dry.
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For how long should fixation with Bouin's solution be done?
For how long should fixation with Bouin's solution be done?
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Formol corrosive is optimal for fixing kidney structures.
Formol corrosive is optimal for fixing kidney structures.
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Which fixative is known to destroy cytoplasmic structures such as mitochondria?
Which fixative is known to destroy cytoplasmic structures such as mitochondria?
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What is the primary advantage of using alcohol fixatives?
What is the primary advantage of using alcohol fixatives?
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Which fixative is recommended for fixing chromosomes, lymph glands, and urgent biopsies?
Which fixative is recommended for fixing chromosomes, lymph glands, and urgent biopsies?
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Formol calcium remedied by using __.
Formol calcium remedied by using __.
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What is the effect of prolonged exposure to acid vapors when using Osmium Tetroxide?
What is the effect of prolonged exposure to acid vapors when using Osmium Tetroxide?
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Match the following fixatives with their notable characteristics:
Match the following fixatives with their notable characteristics:
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Alcoholic fixatives are contraindicated when lipids are to be studied.
Alcoholic fixatives are contraindicated when lipids are to be studied.
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Which of the following fixatives is recommended for rabies diagnosis?
Which of the following fixatives is recommended for rabies diagnosis?
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Which of the following fixatives is recommended for demonstrations of mitochondria, chromatin, Golgi bodies, and mitotic figures?
Which of the following fixatives is recommended for demonstrations of mitochondria, chromatin, Golgi bodies, and mitotic figures?
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Which of the following fixatives is NOT recommended for the demonstration of cytoplasmic structures such as mitochondria?
Which of the following fixatives is NOT recommended for the demonstration of cytoplasmic structures such as mitochondria?
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Which of the following is used to remove excess Osmium tetroxide black precipitate?
Which of the following is used to remove excess Osmium tetroxide black precipitate?
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Picric acid fixative is known to be affected by what factor?
Picric acid fixative is known to be affected by what factor?
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Which of the following fixatives is most rapid and specially recommended for fixation of lymph glands?
Which of the following fixatives is most rapid and specially recommended for fixation of lymph glands?
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Which of the following decalcifying agents is recommended for urgent biopsies?
Which of the following decalcifying agents is recommended for urgent biopsies?
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Which of the following statements regarding hydrochloric acid is false?
Which of the following statements regarding hydrochloric acid is false?
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What is the ideal time required for decalcifying tissue?
What is the ideal time required for decalcifying tissue?
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What is the most common chelating agent used to facilitate decalcification?
What is the most common chelating agent used to facilitate decalcification?
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Study Notes
Histopathology & General Pathology Overview
- Histopathology focuses on the preparation of tissue specimens for microscopic examination.
Methods of Fresh Tissue Examination
- Fresh tissue specimens are immersed in isotonic solutions for dissection and microscopic analysis.
- Various techniques include:
- Teasing: Dissecting tissue to examine under microscopes.
- Squash preparation: Forcing compressed tissue between slides for surface viewing.
- Crushing: Vital dyes placed at the slide interface for absorption.
Fresh Tissue Examination Advantages and Disadvantages
- Advantages: Examines living tissues allowing observation of cellular activities (mitosis, motion).
- Disadvantages: Fresh tissues are non-permanent and undergo changes post-mortem.
Primary and Secondary Signs of Death
- Primary signs include CNS, respiratory, and cardiovascular failure.
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Secondary signs occur post-somatism, including:
- Algor mortis: Cooling at 1-1.5°C/hr.
- Rigor mortis: Stiffening of muscles.
- Livor mortis: Post-mortem low visibility.
Post-Mortem Changes
- Autolysis involves cell breakdown by enzymes leading to liquefaction.
- Putrefaction involves microbial decomposition, producing odors.
Fixation in Histotechnology
- Definition: Preservation of tissue structure and chemical integrity.
- Importance: First critical step in histotechnique; stabilizes proteins for analysis.
- Fixatives aim to: Preserve as lifelike as possible, harden tissues for cutting, and inhibit decomposition.
Characteristics of a Good Fixative
- Cheap, stable, safe to handle, and effective in preventing cellular autolysis.
- Ideally should quickly kill cells, minimize shrinkage, and allow thorough penetration in tissue.
Main Factors in Fixation
- pH: Ideal range is 6.0-8.0 for effective fixing.
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Temperature:
- Usual: Room temperature (18-30°C).
- Higher temperatures can accelerate fixation for urgent samples.
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Thickness:
- For electron microscopy: 1-2 mm2.
- For light microscopy: ≤0.4 cm (4mm).
Steps in Processing Preserved Tissues
- The standard workflow includes fixation, dehydration, decalcification (if needed), clearing, infiltration, and embedding.
Fixation Mechanisms
- Additive: The fixative becomes part of the tissue (e.g., formaldehyde).
- Non-additive: Alters tissue composition without becoming part of it (e.g., alcoholic fixatives).
Ideal Size and Duration for Fixation
- Maximum size: 2 cm² and 4 mm thick.
- Ideal fixation duration: 4-6 hours, extending to 6-18 hours for some tissues.
Summary Review Points
- The primary aim of fixation is to facilitate easy cutting and to maintain the tissue's physical and chemical characteristics.
- Best results in fixation are achieved with additive mechanisms that incorporate the chemical into the tissue’s structure.### Fixation Principles
- Optimal results from slightly hypertonic solutions (400-450 mOsm).
- Hypertonic solutions cause cell shrinkage, while isotonic (340 mOsm) and hypotonic solutions lead to swelling and suboptimal fixation.
- Added sucrose to osmium tetroxide fixatives improves electron microscopy outcomes.
Fixative Concentrations and Duration
- Formaldehyde fixation typically at 10%, while glutaraldehyde is used at 3%.
- Most formalin fixatives require up to 24 hours; buffered formalin can range from 2 to 6 hours or up to 1 week.
- Electron microscopy fixation ideally lasts 3 hours, with prolonged fixation risking tissue shrinkage and hardening.
Speed and Autolysis Prevention
- Immediate fixation of specimens post-removal prevents autolysis and decomposition.
- Fixation can inhibit microbial growth and neutralize drugs.
Penetration and Volume
- Formaldehyde penetrates tissue at approximately 1mm/hr.
- Traditional fixative volume should be 10-25 times the tissue volume, with a maximum effective concentration of 20 times.
- Osmium tetroxide needs only 5-10 times due to cost.
Characteristics of Good Fixatives
- A good fixative gradually kills cells, makes cellular components soluble, enters tissues slowly for even penetration, should be stable, and not excessive.
Types and Classification of Fixatives
- Simple Fixatives: Composed of a single component, including aldehydes (formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde), metallic fixatives (mercuric chloride and chromic acid), and alcohol.
- Compound Fixatives: Mixture of two or more substances for optimal results.
Routine and Specific Fixatives
- Microanatomical Fixatives: Allow the study of tissue structures, including 10% neutral buffered formalin.
- Histochemical Fixatives: Preserve specific cell parts, such as nuclear structures (e.g., Helly's, Orth's).
- Cytological Fixatives: Typically contain acetic acid for preserving nuclear structures.
Removal of Formalin Pigments
- Methods for removing pigments include Lillie’s, Kardasewitsch’s, and the use of saturated alcoholic picric acid.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fixatives
- Formaldehyde: Best for CNS tissues; stable with reduced shrinkage; suitable for histochemical analysis.
- Glutaraldehyde: Good protein cross-linking but leads to more stable tissues; used for light microscopy.
- Metallic Fixatives: Such as mercuric chloride, ideal for cell detail but can produce black precipitates.
Practical Considerations
- Autopsy and surgical specimens should be fixed quickly to limit decomposition.
- Surgical tissues should be sterilized before fixation to prevent surface drying.
- Hollow organs require specific packing with fixative-soaked materials.
Additional Notes on Fixation
- Glycogen-containing tissues should not use water due to solubility in aqueous solutions.
- Prolonged fixation may lead to tissue shrinkage or changes in cellular structure.### Acidic Solutions and Fixatives
- Glacial acetic acid is an acidic solution with a pH of 7.
- Disadvantages include time-consuming preparation and corrosiveness to metals, resulting in black granular deposits.
- Fixation time varies between 4-24 hours, reducing PAS positivity for mucin and diminishing myelin reactivity in some staining methods.
- Glacial acetic acid is inert to neutral fats and phospholipids.
Removal of Black Deposits from Mercuric Chloride
- Use 0.5% iodine in 70% ethanol for 5-10 minutes followed by water, then 5% sodium thiosulfate to decolorize.
- Alcoholic iodine is utilized for excess mercury removal, with decolorizing through alcohol in subsequent stages.
Formol and Mercuric Chloride Fixatives
- Formol is recommended for routine post-mortem tissues, excelling in silver reticulin methods and fixing lipids.
- Disadvantages of Formol include tissue thickness restriction (maximum of 1 cm) and the formation of mercuric black deposits.
- Non-frozen sections and impaired determination of tissue decalcification highlight the limitations of mercuric chloride fixation.
Alcoholic Formalin and Gendre's Fixative
- Gendre’s fixative comprises 95% ethyl alcohol saturated with picric acid and enhances immunoperoxidase studies.
- It provides dual fixation and dehydration, making it effective for small tissue samples like liver and spleen.
- Disadvantages include gross tissue hardening and poor preservation of iron pigments.
Special Formalin Fixatives
- Cajol’s formol ammonium bromide is excellent for nervous tissue and recommended for Trichrome staining, while Baker's formol calcium is used for lipid preservation.
- Helly's solution serves as an excellent microanatomic fixative for pituitary gland and blood-containing organs.
- Heidenhain's Susa is ideal for tumor biopsies with minimal tissue shrinkage.
The Effects of Mercuric Chloride Fixatives
- Mercuric chloride fixatives are known to produce black precipitates; recommended for tumor biopsies.
- Each fixative has differing types of tissue compatibility, such as Zenker’s for blood-containing organs and Helly's for nervous tissue.
Chromate Fixatives
- Introduced among the most potent oxidizing agents used for precipitating proteins while preserving carbohydrates.
- 10% BNF is widely used, with mercuric chloride serving as a nuclear fixative.
Picric Acid Fixatives
- Strong picric acid solutions effectively demonstrate glycogen and are recommended for delicate structures and biopsies.
- The yellow dye characteristic prevents overlooked tissue, while formaldehyde can stabilize some fixatives for longer periods.
- Bouin's solution specifically preserves soft tissues with minimal distortion.
Osmium Tetroxide
- Osmium provides excellent fixation for electron microscopy, allowing ultrathin sectioning.
- It is also a yellow-stained solution, which aids in fragmentary biopsies but can inhibit hematoxylin, complicating counterstaining.
These notes contain key details about different fixatives, their advantages, disadvantages, and specific uses with a focus on their role in histological preparation and staining techniques.
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