Which Embedding Media are Preferred for Histological Samples?
After fixation, tissues need to be embedded in a medium to support thin sectioning. Paraffin wax is the most commonly used embedding medium due to its ease of use and compatibility with many staining protocols. For certain applications, such as those requiring frozen sections, OCT compound (Optimal Cutting Temperature compound) is preferred. This medium is water-soluble and ideal for cryosectioning, preserving enzyme activity and antigenicity.
