How Are Skin Biopsies Processed for Histological Examination?
The process of preparing skin biopsies for histological examination involves several steps:
1. Fixation: The tissue sample is fixed in a solution like formalin to preserve cellular structures.
2. Embedding: The fixed tissue is embedded in paraffin wax, providing a solid medium for slicing.
3. Sectioning: Thin sections (usually 4-6 micrometers) are cut using a microtome and placed on glass slides.
4. Staining: Common stains include Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), which provide contrast to cellular components, making them visible under a microscope. Special stains or immunohistochemistry may be used for specific markers.
