The fixation process generally involves immersing the tissue in a fixative solution. The duration and concentration of the fixative can vary depending on the tissue type and the specific requirements of the analysis. The key steps include:
1. Penetration: The fixative must penetrate the tissue completely to ensure uniform preservation. 2. Chemical Reactions: The fixative reacts with tissue components, stabilizing their structure. 3. Rinse: Excess fixative is often rinsed away to prevent interference with subsequent staining or molecular techniques.