What are common artifacts in histological samples?
Artifacts are structures or features that appear in tissue sections but are not present in the living tissue. They can result from improper handling or processing of samples. Common artifacts include:
- Tissue folding: Creases in the sectioned tissue. - Air bubbles: Trapped air within the tissue sections. - Staining inconsistencies: Uneven staining due to improper technique. - Sectioning artifacts: Tears or distortions caused during cutting.
Recognizing and minimizing artifacts is essential for accurate diagnosis.
