What is Ultra Pure Water?
Ultra pure water is water that has been purified to the highest standard, typically having a resistivity of 18.2 MΩ·cm at 25°C and being free from any organic or inorganic contaminants. This level of purity is essential in various scientific fields, especially in
histology, where the presence of impurities can significantly affect the results of tissue preparation and staining processes.
Importance of Ultra Pure Water in Histology
In histology, the preparation and staining of tissue samples require reagents free from contaminants to ensure accurate and reproducible results. Contaminants in water, such as
ions,
organic compounds, and
microorganisms, can interfere with these processes. Ultra pure water, by virtue of its high purity, eliminates these risks and ensures that histological reagents work as intended.
Applications of Ultra Pure Water in Histology
Ultra pure water is used in several critical steps in histology, including: Tissue Fixation: Ensures that fixatives are free from contaminants that could alter tissue morphology.
Tissue Processing: Used in preparing alcohol and clearing solutions to prevent any artefacts.
Staining: Essential in the preparation of staining solutions to avoid unwanted reactions.
Rinsing: Used to rinse slides and remove excess stains without introducing impurities.
Quality Control and Validation
Ensuring the quality of ultra pure water is essential. This involves regular monitoring of parameters such as
resistivity,
total organic carbon (TOC), and
bacterial count. Validation protocols must be in place to confirm that the water meets the required standards for histological applications.
Advantages and Challenges
The primary advantage of using ultra pure water in histology is the elimination of contaminants that could compromise the integrity of tissue samples and the accuracy of staining. However, producing and maintaining ultra pure water can be challenging and costly. Laboratories must invest in sophisticated purification systems and regular maintenance to ensure consistent quality.Conclusion
Ultra pure water plays a crucial role in histology, impacting every stage from tissue fixation to staining. Its high level of purity ensures that histological processes are free from contaminants, leading to more reliable and reproducible results. While there are challenges associated with its production and maintenance, the benefits far outweigh the costs, making it an indispensable resource in histological laboratories.
