When fixatives are diluted, several issues can arise: 1. Inadequate Penetration: Reduced concentration results in poor penetration, especially in larger tissue samples. This can lead to partial fixation where only the outer layers are preserved. 2. Autolysis and Putrefaction: Insufficient fixation can allow endogenous enzymes to continue breaking down cellular components, leading to autolysis. Additionally, bacterial growth can cause putrefaction. 3. Artifacts Formation: Diluted fixatives can lead to the formation of fixation artifacts, which can obscure or mimic pathological changes, leading to misinterpretation.
