Effective washing steps involve a series of carefully timed and methodically performed rinses. Generally, the steps include:
1. Initial Rinse: After the application of a stain or fixative, an initial rinse is performed to remove the bulk of the excess solution. This can be done using a gentle stream of distilled water or PBS. 2. Subsequent Washes: Multiple washes follow the initial rinse to ensure thorough removal of any remaining chemicals. These washes are usually carried out using fresh solutions each time and involve gentle agitation to enhance the washing process. 3. Final Rinse: A final rinse with distilled water or an appropriate buffer is performed to ensure that no residual chemicals are left on the tissue.