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: 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.
