The document outlines the steps in a histology procedure: 1) Specimens are accessioned and given an identifying number; 2) The specimen is described and parts are placed in cassettes during gross examination; 3) Tissue fixation preserves the specimen's structure and prevents loss of constituents; 4) Tissue processing dehydrates, clears, and impregnates the tissue to allow for embedding in wax; 5) Embedded tissue is sectioned into thin slices and stained with dyes to enhance contrast for microscopic examination.
9. TISSUE FIXATION The objective of fixation is to preserve cells and tissue constituents in as close a life-like state as possible
10. TISSUE FIXATION Fixation coagulates Tissue proteins and constituents, a necessary event to prevent their loss or diffusion during tissue processing
12. TISSUE PROCESSING The objective is to embed the tissue in a solid medium firm enough to support the tissue and give it sufficient rigidity to enable thin sections to be cut
13. TISSUE PROCESSING DEHYDRATION : Removal of fixative and water from the Tissue and replacing it with dehydrating fluid CLEARING: Replacement of dehydrating fluid with a fluid that is totally miscible with both the dehydrating fluid and the embedding medium IMPREGNATION: Replacement of clearing agent with the embedding medium
15. TISSUE EMBEDDING The process by which Tissues are orientated in the desired direction and are surrounded by a medium such as wax which when solidified will provide sufficient external support during sectioning