Proper handling of tissue samples is paramount to prevent degradation and contamination. Here are some key points:
Collection Tissues should be collected using sterile instruments and placed in fixative or frozen immediately to prevent autolysis and bacterial growth. The size of the tissue sample should be appropriate for the fixative to penetrate effectively.
Transportation During transportation to the laboratory, tissue samples should be kept at appropriate temperatures to prevent degradation. For instance, samples for freezing should be transported on dry ice, while those for fixation should remain in fixative.
Sectioning Proper sectioning techniques are crucial for maintaining tissue integrity. Microtomy for paraffin-embedded samples and cryotomy for frozen samples require skill to produce thin, uniform sections without causing artifacts.
