The causes of fixation artifacts are multifaceted and can include:
- Type of Fixative: The choice of fixative is crucial. For example, formaldehyde is a common fixative that can cause cross-linking, while alcohol-based fixatives can dehydrate tissues. - Fixation Time: Both under-fixation and over-fixation can lead to artifacts. Insufficient fixation may allow for autolysis, while prolonged fixation can result in excessive hardening. - Fixative Penetration: Incomplete penetration of the fixative into thick tissues can cause uneven fixation, leading to differential preservation within the sample. - pH and Temperature: The pH and temperature of the fixative can also impact tissue preservation. Extreme conditions may cause denaturation or other chemical changes in the tissue.
