What are the Common Sources of Heat in Histological Processes?

Heat can be introduced at various stages of histological processing:

Fixation: Chemical reactions during fixation can generate heat. For instance, formaldehyde fixation can produce exothermic reactions that must be managed carefully.
Embedding: Paraffin embedding involves the immersion of tissue samples in melted paraffin wax, which is typically maintained at around 60°C. Prolonged exposure or higher temperatures can cause damage.
Sectioning: Friction heat generated during microtomy can affect the quality of tissue sections. Ensuring sharp blades and proper technique can minimize this risk.
Staining: Some staining protocols require heat application, such as in-situ hybridization. Controlling temperature and duration is vital to avoid tissue damage.