Fixation is the first and arguably the most crucial step in tissue preparation. Proper fixation preserves the tissue's cellular and subcellular structures by stabilizing proteins and other macromolecules. Common fixatives include formalin and glutaraldehyde. Inadequate fixation can lead to shrinkage, autolysis, and loss of cellular details. The choice of fixative and fixation time can significantly impact the quality of the final slide.
