How is Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Sectioned and Stained?
Once the tissue is embedded in paraffin, it is sectioned using a microtome to obtain thin slices. These sections are then floated on a water bath to remove wrinkles and mounted on glass slides. After drying, the sections undergo staining protocols to highlight different cellular components. Common stains include H&E, which provides general tissue morphology, and special stains like PAS (Periodic acidâSchiff) for carbohydrates.
