Compression - Histology

What is Compression in Histology?

In the field of histology, compression refers to the physical distortion of tissue samples during the preparation process. This artifact can occur at various stages, including during tissue embedding, microtomy, and slide preparation. Compression artifacts can lead to inaccurate interpretations, making it a significant concern for histologists.

Causes of Compression

Compression can be caused by several factors:

Tissue Fixation: Inadequate fixation can lead to tissue becoming too soft, making it prone to compression.
Microtome Settings: Incorrect settings on the microtome, such as an overly tight blade or improper angle, can cause physical distortion.
Embedding Medium: The type and quality of the embedding medium, such as paraffin, can influence the likelihood of compression.
Section Thickness: Thicker sections are more likely to experience compression during cutting and mounting.

How to Identify Compression Artifacts

Compression artifacts can be identified by several characteristics under the microscope:

Wavy Appearance: Tissue sections may appear wavy or corrugated.
Cellular Distortion: Cells may appear stretched, squashed, or generally distorted.
Loss of Detail: Fine structural details may be lost or blurred.

Impact on Diagnostic Accuracy

Compression artifacts can significantly affect the diagnostic accuracy of histological examinations. Distorted tissues can lead to misinterpretations, potentially resulting in incorrect diagnoses. For instance, cellular abnormalities that are artifacts of compression could be mistaken for pathological conditions.

Prevention and Mitigation Strategies

Several strategies can be employed to prevent or mitigate compression artifacts:

Proper Fixation: Ensuring adequate fixation can help maintain tissue consistency.
Optimized Microtome Settings: Using the correct blade angle and ensuring proper tension settings on the microtome can reduce the risk of compression.
Embedding Techniques: Using high-quality embedding media and proper embedding techniques can minimize artifacts.
Section Thickness Control: Keeping section thickness within recommended ranges can help avoid compression.

Conclusion

Compression is a common artifact in histology that can significantly impact the quality and accuracy of tissue examination. Understanding its causes, identification, and prevention strategies is crucial for histologists to ensure reliable and accurate diagnostic results.