What Techniques are Used to Prepare Tissue Samples?
Once collected, tissue samples undergo a series of preparation steps including fixation, embedding, sectioning, and staining. Fixation preserves the tissue’s structural integrity using chemicals like formalin. Embedding, usually in paraffin wax, provides support for slicing thin sections. Sectioning is typically done with a microtome to produce thin slices that can be placed on slides. Staining, such as with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), highlights different cellular components for microscopic examination.
