The process of tissue section analysis typically involves several key steps:
Fixation: This step involves preserving the tissue to prevent degradation. Common fixatives include formalin and glutaraldehyde. Embedding: The fixed tissue is embedded in a medium such as paraffin wax or resin to provide support for thin sectioning. Sectioning: Thin slices of the tissue are cut using a microtome or cryostat. Sections are typically 5-10 micrometers thick. Staining: The sections are stained to highlight different cellular components. Common stains include hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) stains. Microscopic Analysis: Finally, the stained sections are examined under a light microscope or electron microscope to identify cellular structures and any pathological changes.
