What Causes Tissue Damage During Histological Processing?
Tissue damage can occur at various stages of histological processing, including fixation, dehydration, embedding, slicing, and staining. Some of the primary causes are:
Improper Fixation: Using incorrect fixation methods or timing can lead to shrinkage, hardening, or incomplete preservation of tissues. Inadequate Dehydration: Insufficient dehydration can cause tissue swelling and artifacts. Embedding Issues: Errors during embedding, such as improper orientation or incomplete infiltration, can result in tissue distortion. Microtomy Problems: Incorrect slicing thickness or dull microtome blades can lead to tearing or compression of tissue sections. Staining Techniques: Overstaining or understaining can obscure tissue details or cause chemical damage.
