What Are the Common Artifacts and How Can They Be Avoided?
Artifacts are distortions in tissue samples that can arise during processing. Common artifacts include:
1. Shrinkage: Occurs due to over-dehydration. Using graded alcohol series and avoiding prolonged exposure can help. 2. Tearing: Happens during sectioning. Ensuring the microtome blade is sharp and adjusting the cutting speed can minimize this. 3. Staining Artifacts: Overstaining or uneven staining can be avoided by following standardized staining protocols and ensuring even application of reagents.
