The process of preparing tissue samples for histological examination involves several steps:
Fixation Fixation is the first step in tissue processing. It involves preserving the tissue to prevent decay and to maintain its structure. Common fixatives include formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde.
Embedding After fixation, the tissue is embedded in a medium such as paraffin wax. This provides support for the tissue during slicing.
Sectioning The embedded tissue is sliced into thin sections using a microtome. These sections are typically only a few micrometers thick.
Staining Staining involves applying dyes to the tissue sections to highlight different cellular components. Common stains include Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and special stains such as PAS and Masson's Trichrome.
Mounting The stained tissue sections are mounted on glass slides and covered with a coverslip for examination under a microscope.
