Infiltration

Tissue Infiltration

crucial step in tissue processing that follows clearing of tissue specimens

infiltration

this process involves embedding the dehydrated issues in a medium that will solidify and provide structural support, allowing for the creation of uniform sections and can be stained

infiltration

it is essential for achieving high-quality histological sections, and accurate diagnostic results.

to replace the dehydrating agent with a medium that can be hardened to support the tissue during sectioning

What is the primary goal of tissue infiltration?

paraffin wax, resin, cryoprotectant, gelatin and agar

what are the common infiltrating media?

paraffin wax

It is a type of infiltrating media that is widely used embedding Medium in histology

paraffin wax in 56-60

it is a type of hydrocarbon wax that melts at a relatively low temperature around what temp?

paraffin wax

it is simple to handle an embedded tissue

paraffin wax in low melting point

facilitate the embedding of delicate tissues without damaging them

paraffin wax

suitable for most routine histological applications

Resin

are synthetic polymers that provide excellent support for tissue sections and are used in specialize applications

epoxy acrylic and polyester resin

what are the common types of raisins?

epoxy resin

it offer excellent infiltration and support suitable for electron microscopy due to their hardness and fine secctioning capabilities

acrylic resins

it provides good clarity and are less toxic compared to epoxy resin

acrylic resins

it is ideal for situations where high resolution is needed, such as in immunohistochemistry

polyester resin

use for specific applications, where flexibility and minimal shrinkage are required

Cryoprotectants

are used for freezing tissues instead of embedding in a solid medium

Cryoprotectants

they prevent ice crystals formation that can damage tissue morphology

optimal, cutting temperature compound and sucrose solution

what are the common cryo-protectant?

optimal cutting temperature compound

A gel like compound that is used for embedding tissue prior to cryostat sectioning

sucrose solution

Often use as prefreezing step to protect tissue

Cryoprotectants

it is used when there is a need for rapid freezing is required to preserve tissue structure

gelatin and agar

are use less frequently, but conserved as embedding media in a certain cases

gelatin

can be used for embedding tissues requiring softer support. It is easier to cut, but has limit limitations in terms of tissue preservation overtime.

agar

provides a farmer support compared to gelatin and is used in specific context where a software embedding medium is needed

gelatin and agar

it’s specialized applications for conventional embedding media are unsuitable such as for very soft or delicate tissue