Several factors influence the quality of histological samples:
1. Tissue Handling: Proper handling from the moment of excision to fixation is vital. Any delay or mishandling can cause degradation. 2. Fixation: The choice of fixative and the fixation time are critical. Formalin is commonly used, but the fixation protocol must be tailored to the tissue type. 3. Processing: This includes dehydration, clearing, and infiltration. Each step must be carefully controlled to prevent artifacts. 4. Embedding: Proper orientation and embedding medium (usually paraffin) are essential for sectioning consistency. 5. Sectioning: Uniform and thin sections increase the accuracy of histological evaluations. 6. Staining: Stains must be fresh and applied correctly to highlight the tissue structures effectively.
