Compared to other common fixatives like formalin and glutaraldehyde, picric acid offers unique benefits, particularly in preserving delicate and soft tissues. Formalin is excellent for general tissue fixation, providing good overall preservation and compatibility with a wide range of staining techniques. Glutaraldehyde is particularly useful in electron microscopy due to its fast fixation and excellent preservation of ultrastructural details. However, picric acid excels in its ability to provide detailed preservation without causing significant tissue hardening, making it a valuable tool in specific histological applications.
