Several factors can influence the effectiveness of fixation:
Tissue Thickness: Thicker tissues require longer fixation times to allow the fixative to penetrate completely. Fixative Concentration: Higher concentrations can achieve faster fixation but may cause excessive cross-linking, which can obscure cellular details. Temperature: Increased temperature can accelerate fixation but may also increase the risk of tissue distortion. pH: The pH of the fixative solution can affect the preservation of cellular components, particularly nucleic acids.